1
|
Smith GC, Infurna FJ, Dolbin-MacNab M, Webster B, Castro S, Crowley DM, Musil C, Hu L, Hancock GR. A Randomized Clinical Trial of Online Social Intelligence Training With Custodial Grandmothers. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad079. [PMID: 37354201 PMCID: PMC11020292 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a self-administered, online Social Intelligence Training (SIT) program aimed at enhancing psychological and relational well-being among a nationwide U.S. sample of custodial grandmothers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A two-arm randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted, where 349 grandmothers raising grandchildren aged 11-18 years were assigned to either SIT or an attention control condition (ACC). Participants self-completed online surveys at baseline and immediately postintervention, in addition to follow-ups at 3-, 6-, and 9-month postintervention. First-order latent difference score models were used to compare SIT to ACC, across all times of measurement, along key indicators of psychological and relational well-being on an intent-to-treat basis. RESULTS Although SIT was largely superior to ACC at yielding positive results, it appears that it attenuated longitudinal declines that occurred among ACC participants. SIT also exerted stronger effects on relational than psychological outcomes, with perceived relations with grandchildren being the most positively affected. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Given that the historical time of this RCT unpredictably corresponded with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we suspect that SIT helped offset declines in psychological and relational well-being that are widely documented to have resulted from the pandemic. Our overall positive findings support future use of the inexpensive and easily delivered SIT program under normal environmental conditions, with the vulnerable and geographically disperse population of custodial grandmothers. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03239977.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Smith
- College of Education Health and Human Services, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Frank J Infurna
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Megan Dolbin-MacNab
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Britney Webster
- College of Education Health and Human Services, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Saul Castro
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Daniel M Crowley
- Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carol Musil
- College of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Luxin Hu
- College Education Health and Human Services, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Gregory R Hancock
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alegría M, Cruz-Gonzalez M, Markle SL, Falgas-Bague I, Poindexter C, Stein GL, Eddington K, Martinez Vargas AE, Fuentes L, Cheng M, Shrout PE. Referrals to Community and State Agencies to Address Social Determinants of Health for Improving Mental Health, Functioning, and Quality of Care Outcomes for Diverse Adults. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:S278-S288. [PMID: 37948053 PMCID: PMC10976451 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To examine whether referral for social determinants of health (SDH) needs decreases psychological distress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and improves level of functioning and quality of care among diverse adults. Methods. Data are from control participants (n = 503 adults) in a randomized controlled trial testing a mental health intervention in North Carolina and Massachusetts. We fitted multilevel mixed-effects models to repeated assessments (baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months) collected between September 2019 and January 2023. Results. After referral to services for trouble paying utility bills, participants reported lower PTSD symptoms. Participants reported better quality of care when receiving referrals to mental health care. After adjusting for income and employment status, we found that participants who were referred more often also had lower PTSD symptoms and better levels of functioning. Conclusions. Referrals for certain SDH needs might decrease PTSD symptoms and improve self-reported quality of care and functioning. However, referrals alone, without ensuring receipt of services, might be insufficient to affect other mental health outcomes. Research is needed on training and providing care managers time for offering interpersonal support, securing services, and understanding agencies' contexts for addressing high SDH needs. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S3):S278-S288. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307442).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Alegría
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Mario Cruz-Gonzalez
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Sheri Lapatin Markle
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Irene Falgas-Bague
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Claire Poindexter
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Gabriela Livas Stein
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Kari Eddington
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Larimar Fuentes
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Michelle Cheng
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| | - Patrick E Shrout
- Margarita Alegría, Mario Cruz-Gonzalez, Sheri Lapatin Markle, Irene Falgas-Bague, Larimar Fuentes, and Michelle Cheng are with the Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Claire Poindexter, Kari Eddington, and Abraham Ezequiel Martinez Vargas are with the Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Gabriela Livas Stein is with the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Patrick E. Shrout is with the Department of Psychology, New York University, New York
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ponce SA, Green A, Strassle PD, Nápoles AM. Positive and negative aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample of US adults: an exploratory mixed-methods analysis of online survey data. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:22. [PMID: 38166883 PMCID: PMC10762906 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17491-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound social and economic impact across the United States due to the lockdowns and consequent changes to everyday activities in social spaces. METHODS The COVID-19's Unequal Racial Burden (CURB) survey was a nationally representative, online survey of 5,500 American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Latino (English- and Spanish-speaking), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White, and multiracial adults living in the U.S. For this analysis, we used data from the 1,931 participants who responded to the 6-month follow-up survey conducted between 8/16/2021-9/9/2021. As part of the follow-up survey, participants were asked "What was the worst thing about the pandemic that you experienced?" and "Was there anything positive in your life that resulted from the pandemic?" Verbatim responses were coded independently by two coders using open and axial coding techniques to identify salient themes, definitions of themes, and illustrative quotes, with reconciliation across coders. Chi-square tests were used to estimate the association between sociodemographics and salient themes. RESULTS Commonly reported negative themes among participants reflected disrupted lifestyle/routine (27.4%), not seeing family and friends (9.8%), and negative economic impacts (10.0%). Positive themes included improved relationships (16.9%), improved financial situation (10.1%), and positive employment changes (9.8%). Differences in themes were seen across race-ethnicity, gender, and age; for example, adults ≥ 65 years old, compared to adults 18-64, were more likely to report disrupted routine/lifestyle (37.6% vs. 24.2%, p < 0.001) as a negative aspect of the pandemic, and Spanish-speaking Latino adults were much more likely to report improved relationships compared to other racial-ethnic groups (31.1% vs. 14.8-18.6%, p = 0.03). DISCUSSION Positive and negative experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic varied widely and differed across race-ethnicity, gender, and age. Future public health interventions should work to mitigate negative social and economic impacts and facilitate posttraumatic growth associated with pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Ponce
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexis Green
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paula D Strassle
- Division of Intramural Research , National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 11545 Rockville Pike, 2 White Flint North, Room C13, Rockville, MD, 20818, USA.
| | - Anna María Nápoles
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lillie HM, Venetis MK, Chernichky-Karcher S. Resilience Communication Mitigates the Negative Relational Effects of Topic Avoidance: Evidence from Parental Caregiving and COVID-19 Pandemic Contexts. PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 30:1252-1273. [PMID: 38737382 PMCID: PMC11086999 DOI: 10.1111/pere.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Communicating about hardships with close others can be challenging, leading to avoidance of hardship-related topics. Although typically considered relationally damaging, topic avoidance could serve as a beneficial or neutral strategy when paired with relationally affirming communication. The current research investigates if the resilience communication processes outlined in the communication theory of resilience mitigate the negative relational effects of topic avoidance. Hypotheses are tested in two different contexts: sibling communication during parental caregiving (N=207) and spousal communication in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic (N=598). The processes of crafting normalcy, communication networks, and productive action were beneficial across contexts. When participants reported higher engagement in these processes, topic avoidance was not significantly related to relationship satisfaction. At lower engagement levels, topic avoidance was negatively related to relationship satisfaction. Nuance between contexts existed. For example, humor moderated the effect of sibling caregiving topic avoidance but not spousal COVID-19 topic avoidance.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hensel DJ, Mark KP, Abdelhamed A, Burns S, Esho T, Hendriks J, Jobim Fischer V, Ivanova O, Marks M, Michelsen K, Nimby F, Strizzi J, Tucker J, Uhlich M, Erausquin JT. Changes in Solo and Partnered Sexual Behaviors following the First COVID-19 Wave: Data from an International Study of 26 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:459-480. [PMID: 38601728 PMCID: PMC10903556 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2224777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective To determine individual- and country-level factors associated with self-reported changes in solo and partnered sexual behaviors in an international sample of adults during COVID-19. Methods Data were from the International Sexual Health And REproductive Health during COVID-19 study (I-SHARE)-a cross-sectional, multi-country study (N = 26 countries) assessing adult (N = 19,654) sexual/reproductive health before and during the first wave of COVID-19. We examined self-reported changes (three-point scale: decreased, no change, increased) in solo masturbation, hugging/holding hands/cuddling with a partner, sex with a primary partner, sex with a casual partner, sexting with a partner, viewing sexually explicit media and partnered cybersex. Ordinal regression assessed the impact of individual (age, gender- and sexual-identity, romantic partnership status, employment and income stability, household change and content, mental well-being, changes in alcohol use, and changes in marijuana use) and country-level (e.g., Oxford Stringency Index, Human Development Index, and the Palma Ratio) factors on behavior change. Results The most common behavior to increase was hugging, kissing, or cuddling with a partner (21.5%), and the most common behavior to decrease was sex with a main partner (36.7%). Household factors like job/income instability and having children over the age of 12 years were significantly associated with decreased affectionate and sexual partnered sexual behaviors; more frequent substance use was linked to significantly increased solo, partnered, and virtual sexual behaviors. Conclusions Understanding changes in sexual behaviors-as well as the factors that make changes more or less likely among adults around the world-are important to ensure adequate sexual health support development for future public health emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devon J. Hensel
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kristen P. Mark
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amr Abdelhamed
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Sharyn Burns
- Discipline of Health Promotion & Sexology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Jacqueline Hendriks
- Discipline of Health Promotion & Sexology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Vinicius Jobim Fischer
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Olena Ivanova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kristien Michelsen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fillipo Nimby
- Foundation for Professional Development, Rome, Italy
| | - Jenna Strizzi
- Centre for Medical Science and Technology Studies, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joe Tucker
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Larson N, Tavernier RE, Berge JM, Barr-Anderson DJ, Neumark-Sztainer D. Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Well-Being of Emerging Adult Populations: A Synthesis of Findings From the COVID-19 Eating and Activity Over Time (C-EAT) Study. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2023; 11:779-796. [PMID: 37832141 PMCID: PMC10064195 DOI: 10.1177/21676968231166034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Research addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial well-being and health behavior is accumulating; however, implications for emerging adult populations are underexplored. This manuscript synthesizes findings from a mixed-methods study of well-being, eating and activity behaviors, and food insecurity among a diverse, longitudinal cohort of emerging adults. The review includes findings from 11 original studies that involved collecting online surveys from 720 emerging adults and in-depth, virtual interviews with 33 respondents who were food insecure. Findings indicated the pandemic had widespread impacts on well-being. Population groups at greatest risk for poor outcomes included women; those who identified as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color; persons in households of low socioeconomic status; parents of young children; and persons who previously experienced mental health challenges or weight stigma. Further research will be needed to evaluate efforts to improve the well-being of emerging adults in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Larson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community
Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca Emery Tavernier
- Department of Family Medicine and
Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical
School, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Jerica M. Berge
- Department of Family Medicine and Community
Health, University of Minnesota Medical School,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
- Division of Epidemiology and Community
Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bagautdinova D, Bacharz KC, Bylund CL, Sae-Hau M, Weiss ES, Rajotte M, Lincoln G, Vasquez TS, Parker ND, Wright KB, Fisher CL. Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Caregiving and Related Resource Needs. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041648. [PMID: 36836183 PMCID: PMC9965960 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) caregivers play a central role in disease management-a role that has been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic given the healthcare system's reliance on frontline family caregivers and CLL patients' increased risk of infection and mortality. Using a mixed-method design, we investigated the impact of the pandemic on CLL caregivers (Aim 1) and their perceived resource needs (Aim 2): 575 CLL caregivers responded to an online survey; 12 spousal CLL caregivers were interviewed. Two open-ended survey items were thematically analyzed and compared with interview findings. Aim 1 results showed that two years into the pandemic, CLL caregivers continue to struggle with coping with distress, living in isolation, and losing in-person care opportunities. Caregivers described experiencing increasing caregiving burden, realizing the vaccine may not work or didn't work for their loved one with CLL, feeling cautiously hopeful about EVUSHELD, and dealing with unsupportive/skeptical individuals. Aim 2 results indicate that CLL caregivers needed reliable, ongoing information about COVID-19 risk, information about and access to vaccination, safety/precautionary measures, and monoclonal infusions. Findings illustrate ongoing challenges facing CLL caregivers and provide an agenda to better support the caregivers of this vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diliara Bagautdinova
- Department of Advertising, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Kelsey C. Bacharz
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Carma L. Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Maria Sae-Hau
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, NY 10573, USA
| | - Elisa S. Weiss
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, NY 10573, USA
| | | | - Greg Lincoln
- P.K. Younge Developmental Research School, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Taylor S. Vasquez
- Department of Advertising, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Naomi D. Parker
- Department of Advertising, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kevin B. Wright
- Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Carla L. Fisher
- Department of Advertising, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodrigues DL, Balzarini RN. Relationship and Sexual Quality in the Wake of COVID-19: Effects of Individual Regulatory Focus and Shared Concerns over the Pandemic. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:460-471. [PMID: 36826219 PMCID: PMC9955504 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown mixed findings regarding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationship and sexual quality and activity. We argue that some of these findings might be understood considering people's predisposition to maintain safety (i.e., prevention focus) or take risks (i.e., promotion focus), and sharing concerns with one's partner about the pandemic. A longitudinal study (N = 153) tested if regulatory focus before the pandemic (November 2019) was associated with relationship quality, sexual quality, and joint sexual activity later on (June 2020) and whether these effects were moderated by shared concerns over the pandemic. Results showed that participants more focused on prevention experienced higher relationship quality later on, but also less sexual quality and less frequent joint sexual activity, when they shared fewer (vs. more) concerns with their partner. In contrast, participants more focused on promotion experienced higher relationship quality later on when they shared more (vs. less) concerns with their partner. These results indicate how individuals' regulatory focus and shared concerns in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can have downstream consequences on people's relational and sexual dynamics. We offer insights for mental health professionals to improve psychosocial health and well-being when people are faced with critical events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L. Rodrigues
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Rhonda N. Balzarini
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|