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Allsop DB, Huberman JS, Cohen E, Bagnell KB, Péloquin K, Cockwell H, Rosen NO. What Does a Pregnancy Loss Mean for Sex? Comparing Sexual Well-Being Between Couples With and Without a Recent Loss. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:423-438. [PMID: 37814102 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02697-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
It is unclear whether sexual well-being, which is an important part of individual and relational health, may be at risk for declines after a pregnancy loss given the limits of prior work. Accordingly, in a cross-sectional study, we used structural equation modeling to (1) compare sexual well-being levels-satisfaction, desire, function, distress, and frequency-of both partners in couples who had experienced a pregnancy loss in the past four months (N = 103 couples) to their counterparts in a control sample of couples with no history of pregnancy loss (N = 120 couples), and (2) compare sexual well-being levels of each member of a couple to one another. We found that gestational individuals and their partners in the pregnancy loss sample were less sexually satisfied than their control counterparts but did not differ in sexual desire, problems with sexual function, nor sexual frequency. Surprisingly, we found that partners of gestational individuals had less sexual distress than their control counterparts. In the pregnancy loss sample, gestational individuals had lower levels of sexual desire post-loss than their partners but did not differ in sexual satisfaction, problems with sexual function, nor sexual distress. Our results provide evidence that a recent pregnancy loss is associated with lower sexual satisfaction and greater differences between partners in sexual desire, which may be useful information for clinicians working with couples post-loss. Practitioners can share these findings with couples who may find it reassuring that we did not find many aspects of sexual well-being to be related to pregnancy loss at about three months post-loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jackie S Huberman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Eva Cohen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - K Brenna Bagnell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Heather Cockwell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Huberman JS, Allsop DB, Rosen NO. Associations between New Mothers' Partner-Oriented Sexual Values and Sexual Distress in the Transition to Parenthood. J Sex Res 2023; 60:1259-1268. [PMID: 35731509 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2089969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Women commonly experience heightened sexual distress in pregnancy and postpartum, and there is limited knowledge of protective factors. Women report declines in the importance of sexuality during this time, suggesting that valuing sexuality could be a relevant individual difference factor. It may be particularly protective for women to feel successful in living in line with their sexual values. In a longitudinal study, we examined associations between the extent to which women valued their role as a sexual partner, and their success living in line with this partner-oriented sexual value, with their sexual distress. Women (N = 367) reported the importance of their role as a sexual partner, success living according to this value, and sexual distress during pregnancy (18-20 weeks) and at 3, 6, 12 and 24-months postpartum. More strongly valuing one's role as a sexual partner was associated with more sexual distress, both between-person (i.e., across women) and within-person (i.e., variation within women over time). Above and beyond these effects, greater success at living in line with one's partner-oriented sexual value was associated with less sexual distress. Finding ways to live in line with one's sexual values may protect against sexual distress for new mothers in the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University
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Rossi MA, Péloquin K, Allsop DB, El Amiri S, Bouzayen R, Brassard A, Bergeron S, Rosen NO. Sexual growth and destiny beliefs: Longitudinal associations with dyadic coping among couples seeking medically assisted reproduction. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1241-1251. [PMID: 37632412 PMCID: PMC10545535 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically assisted reproduction is a vulnerable time for couples' sexual health. Believing that sexual challenges can be worked through (i.e., sexual growth beliefs) or that these challenges indicate incompatibility (i.e., sexual destiny beliefs) may be related to dyadic coping-the strategies couples use to cope-with the physical and psychological stressors of medically assisted reproduction. AIM In the current study we aimed to examine the longitudinal associations between typical (i.e., average) levels of sexual growth and destiny beliefs and positive and negative facets of dyadic coping and how greater than typical levels of these constructs predicted each other across time. METHODS Couples (n = 219) seeking medically assisted reproduction were recruited for an online longitudinal, dyadic study. OUTCOMES Couples completed online measures of sexual growth and destiny beliefs and positive and negative dyadic coping at baseline, 6-and 12-months. RESULTS Random intercept cross-lagged panel models demonstrated that at the within-person level, reporting higher sexual growth beliefs at baseline, relative to their average across time points, was associated with lower negative dyadic coping at 6 months. Higher negative dyadic coping at 6 months, relative to their average, was linked to lower sexual growth beliefs at 12-months. When individuals reported higher sexual destiny beliefs at 6-months, relative to their average, they and their partners reported higher negative dyadic coping at 12 -months. At the between-person level, higher overall levels of sexual destiny beliefs were related to higher overall levels of negative dyadic coping. No associations with positive dyadic coping were identified. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Couples may benefit from identifying and reducing unhelpful beliefs about sex and negative dyadic coping. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of this study include our large, inclusive sample, engagement of community partners, and novel analytical approach to assess change over time. However, following couples in 6-month increments and not using questionnaires specific to medically assisted reproduction may have limited our ability to detect nuanced changes that couples experience during this time. CONCLUSION Lower sexual growth and higher sexual destiny beliefs may promote couples' engagement in less adaptive coping behaviors as they seek medically assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 Avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, H2V 2S9, Canada
| | - David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada
| | - Sawsane El Amiri
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 Avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, H2V 2S9, Canada
| | - Renda Bouzayen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Bd de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 Avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, H2V 2S9, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada
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Allsop DB, Péloquin K, Saxey MT, Rossi MA, Rosen NO. Perceived financial burden is indirectly linked to sexual well-being via quality of life among couples seeking medically assisted reproduction. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1063268. [PMID: 37082570 PMCID: PMC10110993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1063268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionMedically assisted reproduction is a difficult treatment process for couples both financially and sexually. Yet, these two domains have not been examined together among couples seeking treatment, leaving couples and practitioners without guidance on how to address these domains together.MethodsIn line with Couples and Finance Theory, we tested the hypothesis that perceived financial burden and couple income would predict quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which would then predict four domains of sexual well-being (i.e., sexual satisfaction, desire, distress, and frequency). We also examined if the results differed by treatment status—that is, between partners who were receiving treatment and those who were not. Cross-sectional data from 120 couples who had undergone medically assisted reproduction in the past six months were analyzed via structural equation modeling through an actor-partner interdependence mediation model.ResultsAn individual’s greater perceived financial burden predicted their own lower quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which in turn predicted their lower sexual satisfaction, desire and distress, as well as their partner’s lower sexual satisfaction. Household income did not indirectly predict any sexual well-being domains, and results regarding treatment status were inconclusive.DiscussionClinicians can discuss with couples how perceived financial strain of medically assisted reproduction affects their quality of life and what ramifications that may have for their sexual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthew T. Saxey
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Meghan A. Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Natalie O. Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Natalie O. Rosen,
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Allsop DB, Leavitt CE, Yorgason JB, Holmes EK. Variable Sexual Satisfaction in Pregnancy: A Latent Profile Analysis of Pregnant Wives and Their Husbands. J Sex Res 2022; 59:173-184. [PMID: 34520286 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1970708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although not all couples achieve high levels of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, evidence of variability in couple sexual satisfaction during pregnancy indicates that sexual dissatisfaction in pregnancy does not apply to all. Subsequently, the current study examined whether a nationally representative U.S. sample of wives and husbands (N = 523 couples) fell into subgroups in terms of their sexual satisfaction during pregnancy and to what degree biopsychosocial factors distinguish potential subgroups. Latent profile analyses, adjusted for pregnancy-related biological factors, indicated that couples could be classified into two subsets - a larger subset of couples where wives and husbands were satisfied with sex overall (79%) and a smaller subset where wives and husbands were neutral about satisfaction with sex (21%). Lower depressive symptoms among wives was associated with a greater likelihood of being in the more satisfied subset over the less satisfied subset - the only significant group membership predictor among a variety of other factors. Implications include notions that couples and practitioners should consider women's depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy in addition to the perinatal period, and that most U.S. newly married pregnant couples do well navigating sexual satisfaction challenges during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
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Leavitt CE, Allsop DB, Gurr J, Fawcett E, Boden J, Driggs S, Hawkins AJ. A couples’ relationship education intervention examining sexual mindfulness and trait mindfulness. Sexual and Relationship Therapy 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.2024802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David B. Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Joanna Gurr
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Elizabeth Fawcett
- Department of Behavioral Science, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT, USA
| | - Jeremy Boden
- Department of Behavioral Science, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT, USA
| | - Shayla Driggs
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Alan J. Hawkins
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Busby DM, Leavitt CE, Yorgason JB, Richardson S, Allsop DB. Health, depression, and marital processes as they relate to sexual satisfaction and harmonious sexual passion: a biopsychosocial model. Sexual and Relationship Therapy 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.2019699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Clarke RW, Leavitt CE, Allsop DB, Marks LD, Dollahite DC. How sexuality and religion intersect in highly religious families: implications for clinicians. Sexual and Relationship Therapy 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.2014052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca W. Clarke
- Brigham Young University, College of Family Home and Social Sciences, School of Family Life, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Chelom E. Leavitt
- Brigham Young University, College of Family Home and Social Sciences, School of Family Life, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - David B. Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Loren D. Marks
- Brigham Young University, College of Family Home and Social Sciences, School of Family Life, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - David C. Dollahite
- Brigham Young University, College of Family Home and Social Sciences, School of Family Life, Provo, Utah, USA
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Allsop DB, Price AA, Hanna-Walker V, Leavitt CE, Milius EH, Driggs SM. Longitudinal associations between attachment, differentiation of self, and couple sexual and relational outcomes. Sexual and Relationship Therapy 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.2003320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David B. Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Amber A. Price
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Veronica Hanna-Walker
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Emily H. Milius
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Shayla M. Driggs
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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Smedley DK, Leavitt CE, Allsop DB, Nance M, James SL, Holmes EK. Mindfulness and Sexual Mindfulness as Moderators Between Conflict Resolution and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction. J Sex Marital Ther 2021; 47:814-828. [PMID: 34472422 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1958962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness has shown positive links with conflict resolution. Additionally, couples skilled in conflict resolution report greater sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, no research has examined the moderating effect of mindfulness, specifically sexual mindfulness, between conflict resolution and sexual and relationship satisfaction. We used 1,627 couples from wave III of the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences (CREATE) study. Sexual mindfulness moderated the association between conflict resolution and sexual satisfaction, even after controlling for attachment. Wives higher in sexual mindful awareness may rely less on conflict resolution for their sexual satisfaction. Karremans and colleagues' (2017) model of mindfulness and romantic relationships provides a framework for testing whether, when, and how mindfulness increases positive romantic relationship processes and outcomes. Under this framework, mindfulness may provide a mechanism to help couples achieve sexual and relationship satisfaction. Mindfulness and sexual mindfulness may provide a useful mechanism for therapists, educators, social workers, and couples to enhance satisfaction within the romantic and sexual relationship even without partner buy-in.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - McKenna Nance
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Spencer L James
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Allsop DB, Leavitt CE, Clarke RW, Driggs SM, Gurr JB, Marks LD, Dollahite DC. Perspectives from Highly Religious Families on Boundaries and Rules About Sex. J Relig Health 2021; 60:1576-1599. [PMID: 33464432 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01171-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the intersection of religion and boundaries placed around sex using qualitative data from 198 highly religious Muslim, Christian, and Jewish families. Coding performed by two researchers resulted in six core themes that provide insight into the connection between these two domains. Frequency counts of the core themes, participant quotes, and implications are presented-including the benefits of practitioners inquiring into how clients' faith affects sexual behavior and scripts, how fidelity and vows might serve a protective function for the relationships of highly religious couples, and how religion may empower women in terms of sexual boundary setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | | | | | - Shayla M Driggs
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Joanna B Gurr
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Loren D Marks
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Allsop DB, Leavitt CE, Saxey MT, Lawlor JM, Yorgason JB, James SL. How Empathy Moderates Associations Between Sexual and Relational Satisfaction. J Sex Marital Ther 2021; 47:545-557. [PMID: 33977837 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1922563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Those with low sexual satisfaction tend to have low relational satisfaction. However, literature provides examples of those who maintain satisfying relationships despite low sexual satisfaction yet provides few clues as to what factors protect these individuals. Using U.S. nationally representative data from 1569 newlywed couples, we investigated if empathy for one's partner buffers individuals and couples from low relational satisfaction due to low sexual satisfaction. The positive connection between sexual satisfaction and relational satisfaction was weak for those reporting high empathy but was strong for those reporting low empathy. Empathy may protect against poor relational satisfaction when sexual satisfaction is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Chelom E Leavitt
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Matthew T Saxey
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Jenna M Lawlor
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | | | - Spencer L James
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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Eyring JB, Leavitt CE, Allsop DB, Clancy TJ. Forgiveness and Gratitude: Links Between Couples' Mindfulness and Sexual and Relational Satisfaction in New Cisgender Heterosexual Marriages. J Sex Marital Ther 2020; 47:147-161. [PMID: 33263504 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2020.1842571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The association of mindfulness with couples' relational and sexual satisfaction may be mediated by forgiveness and gratitude. Although forgiveness and gratitude have individually been shown to play a role in couples' relational and sexual satisfaction, we use an integrated model. This study included 1,360 couples recruited through a nationwide two-stage cluster stratification. Using an actor-partner interdependence model, we found significant indirect effects (β = 0.01, 0.08, p < .01), indicating that forgiveness and gratitude mediated many of the associations between couples' mindfulness and their sexual and relational satisfaction. This may provide useful information for clinicians and therapists when addressing marital issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Eyring
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tyler J Clancy
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Price AA, Leavitt CE, Allsop DB. How Gender Differences in Emotional Cutoff and Reactivity Influence Couple's Sexual and Relational Outcomes. J Sex Marital Ther 2020; 47:16-31. [PMID: 32821026 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2020.1800541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated gender differences in differentiation of self, specifically addressing aspects of emotional cutoff (EC) and emotional reactivity (ER), and their association with relational and sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. Midlife U.S. men and women (N = 334 married heterosexual couples; 50% female; 85% Caucasian, mean age 47.4 years) completed online surveys. Men reported higher levels of EC compared to women after accounting for control variables-a medium effect (Cohen's d = .48) which negatively predicted their own relationship and sexual satisfaction as well as partner relationship satisfaction. Women's EC was also negatively associated with their own relationship satisfaction. Women reported higher levels of ER compared to men after accounting for control variables-a small effect (Cohen's d = .18). No associations with ER and outcome variables were found and no other partner effects were found. For couples in which the woman was higher on ER, the association between women's T1 emotional reactivity and men's T2 sexual desire was positive and significant (B = .31, p < .05). These findings underscore the influence of emotional cutoff on relationship satisfaction and sexual desire and the importance of staying engaged even through relational conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber A Price
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Utah, USA
| | | | - David B Allsop
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Utah, USA
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Leavitt CE, Allsop DB, Busby DM, Driggs SM, Johnson HM, Saxey MT. Associations of mindfulness with adolescent outcomes and sexuality. J Adolesc 2020; 81:73-86. [PMID: 32387815 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Using an online survey, we evaluated how adolescent trait and state mindfulness was associated with positive adolescent outcomes in non-sexually active and sexually active adolescents. Additionally, we evaluated a newly developed measure, the Sexual Mindfulness Measure (SMM), with adolescents. METHODS We asked 2000 U.S. adolescents (half boys/girls; 1/3 low, medium, and high incomes) aged 13-18 (one group 13-15, another 16-18) about trait mindfulness, sexual state mindfulness, and adolescent outcomes. Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and structured equation modeling, we evaluated the reliability and validity of the SMM and its associations with adolescent outcomes. RESULTS Using a trait mindfulness measure, we found that mindful adolescents with no sexual experience, showed positive associations with self-efficacy, body-esteem, and disclosure with both fathers and mothers. Evaluating adolescents who were sexually active, we confirmed that the SMM had a two-factor structure and demonstrated acceptable reliability for both male and female adolescents. We found that the SMM was associated with positive sexual attitudes, body image, self-efficacy, and disclosure to parents above and beyond trait mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS Trait mindfulness was associated with positive self-assessments and parental disclosure. The SMM provided an important assessment of how sexually active adolescents' ability to remain aware and non-judgmental during sexual experiences may be positively associated with outcomes such as sexual consent, positive body image, self-efficacy, disclosure to parents, and negatively associated with sexual shame and sexual anxiety above and beyond trait mindfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B Allsop
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, USA
| | - Dean M Busby
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, USA
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LeBaron AB, Holmes EK, Yorgason JB, Hill EJ, Allsop DB. Feminism and Couple Finance: Power as a Mediator Between Financial Processes and Relationship Outcomes. Sex Roles 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-018-0986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Allsop DB, Rao J. Registration of commonwealth migrant doctors. Med J Aust 1972; 2:223-4. [PMID: 5074900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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