Online Gaming Issues in Offline Couple Relationships: A Primer for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)

Although the challenges around participation in online gaming grow, gamers and their partners who experience online relationship issues related to gaming, present a new set of treatment challenges for therapists. In this article, we report on the findings of a hermeneutic research study aimed at evaluating the scholarly literature related to online gaming and interpret these texts to determine the effect such online activity has on the couple relationship. We reviewed 18 articles published between 1998 and 2010 related to online gaming and interpersonal relationships, focusing solely on empirical articles related to the search criteria. Our interpretation of the text concluded that online gaming might add to and/or interfere with a couple’s life. Based on these potential problem areas, practical considerations for treatment are also outlined

THE HOLD ME TIGHT PROGRAM FOR COUPLES BECOMING PARENTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

ABSTRACT Attachment theory has made substantial contributions to the understanding of close relationships. The purpose of this study was to inquire whether an attachment-informed psychoeducational program is a feasible and effective intervention for couples expecting their first child. The overarching question was: Is an attachment-informed relationship enhancement program, such as Hold Me Tight® (HMT), helpful to couples in strengthening their relationship and increasing their confidence in becoming first-time parents? The research question was addressed using a mixed-methods approach. In the first phase, the Hold Me Tight® program developed by Dr. Sue Johnson was modified for use with couples becoming parents for the first time. The second phase involved implementation of the modified program and the assessment of its helpfulness. Twelve couples (N=24) participated in the Hold Me Tight® program for Couples Becoming Parents study with zero attrition. The program, intended to help couples better understand their relationship with each other and create the best possible emotional foundation for their child, was well received. Findings indicate the participants gained a better understanding of their own attachment behaviour towards their partners as well as their partners’ behaviour towards them in times of need; such increased awareness is expected to strengthen their emotional connection. Many of the couples requested a “booster workshop” after the birth of the baby. While the changes over time on scores derived from the quantitative measures were not statistically significant, the qualitative data suggested that the HMT program may have had more effect on the men than the women. Many of the men said the program helped them feel more connected with their partners, and following the program, it was observed that many men were more able to share their vulnerable feelings (e.g. fear and inadequacy) about parenting in the presence of their partners. These behaviours suggested that the men experienced an increase in feelings of security in the relationship with their partners. This finding was supported by marginally significant improvement (p= .052) between pre- and post–program assessment in the males’ scores on The Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Engagement (BARE) Scale, which assessed their perception of their partners’ attachment behaviours. Contrary to what was expected, proportionally more men than women scored above the thresholds for concern on the scale designed to screen for depression and anxiety (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS). Evaluations and feedback provided by both facilitators and participants will facilitate future program improvement. The in-class conversation exercises were found by most participants to be the most valuable of all the activities; this reaffirmed that the greatest strength of the HMT program is the emotionally-focused conversations. The results of this study inform practice by recognizing the need for more attention to the parental relationship and the mental health of both parents, the wisdom of utilizing attachment core concepts to support healthy relationships, and the need for early interventions that may strengthen the couple relationship and foster psychological well-being for the entire family. The insights from this pilot study will inform a future study of the effectiveness of this intervention using larger samples and more diverse participants

The relationships between communication, trust, success, satisfaction, and longevity in ice dancing and pairs skating.

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between communication, trust, success (i.e., performance outcome), satisfaction, and longevity of competitive pairs and ice dancing teams. The participants were 102 ice dancers (N = 74) and pairs skaters (N = 28) ranging in age from 10-26 (M = 17.40) from training sites in Northeastern Canada and the United States. They represented all levels of competitive experience (Juvenile N = 6, Intermediate/Pre-novice N = 14, Novice N = 20, Junior N = 32, and Senior N = 30). A survey package was completed which included: (1) a demographic questionnaire; (2) a measure of the participants perceived satisfaction with their relationship with their current partner (i.e., relational satisfaction) and their perceived satisfaction with the level of success they have achieved with their current partner (i.e., success satisfaction); (3) a measure of the skaters actual performance outcome was a weighted score based on the participant rankings during their most recent competitive season; (4) the Relational Communication Scale (Burgoon & Hale, 1987); (5) the Dyadic Trust Scale (Larzelere & Huston, 1980) examining interpersonal trust and; (6) a sport specific adapted form of the Dyadic Trust Scale examining physical trust. Results suggest that the communication theme intimacy may be a predictor of relational and success satisfaction. The RCS subscales were not significant predictors of longevity or performance outcome. Trust was a significantly correlated with relational satisfaction, success satisfaction and performance outcome. The type of relationship the participants reported had an impact on their scores on the RCS, DTS and adjusted DTS. The social validity assessment suggested that participants found the survey to be interesting and helpful. Limitations, suggestions for future research and significance of the study was discussed

Master of Science

thesisThe goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between mood states and conversational argument behavior. Specifically, relationships among vigorous, angry, and depressive mood states and specific agreement or disagreement prone argument behaviors is analyzed. Stephen Toulmin’s argument model, concepts of field argument, and substantial and analytic argument types provided the theoretical background for this study, as Toulmin’s model of argument and related features outline how arguments unfold. An observational study of married couples revealed significant correlations between vigor with agreement acknowledgement, anger with objections, and depression with responses. Seventy-two individuals composing 36 romantic couples engaged in problem-solving interactions in their homes regarding conflict topics that they nominated. Correlations between mood state and argument behavior suggest that mood plays an important part as people negotiate conversational arguments. Specifically, mood and argument behavior appear to have a strong connection during social interaction. This study also revealed biological sex differences in how argument behaviors associate with mood. Moreover, links between positive and negative mood differ according to argument forms of agreement and disagreement. Finally, this study points toward future research exploring a wide range of mood states and argument behavior and possible causal connections between the two phenomena

The role of emotional intelligence on coach-athlete relationships and motivational climate

Research has revealed that Emotional Intelligence is linked to improved conflict resolution, enhanced social attachments and mental health, and the ability to create a collective set of goals that motivate others (Pau & Croucher, 2003). The recent surge of research assessing the role EI may play in leadership effectiveness, motivation, and social attachments within non-sport domains overlaps with similar research within sport that assesses the influence of emotion on coaching effectiveness (Frijda & Mesquita, 1994; Mageau & Vallerand, 2003). Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine if higher EI coached athletes (N=34) varied compared to lower EI coached athletes (N=46) in their strength of the coach-athlete relationship, perceived motivational climate, college soccer satisfaction, and coaches\u27 ability to motivate. Results of the investigation indicate that lower EI coached athletes reported stronger coach-athlete relationships compared to higher EI coached athletes but no significant difference between the groups were reported on perceived motivational climate, college soccer satisfaction, and coaches\u27 ability to motivate. The practical implications of these results are discussed, while relevant EI research within non-sport domains and a purposed line of coaching research using EI theory are explored

Sexualité et fertilité : facteurs contextuels et relationnels associés au bien-être sexuel des couples suivis en clinique de fertilité

Thèse de doctorat présenté en vue de l'obtention du doctorat en psychologie - recherche intervention, option psychologie clinique (Ph.D)L'infertilité est reconnue non seulement comme une maladie médicale, mais aussi comme une condition sociale et émotionnelle (Burns et Covington, 2006; Pawar et al., 2020; The Lancet Global Health, 2022). Bien que les études aient, de plus en plus, commencé à étudier l'impact de l'infertilité sur le bien-être psychologique et social (p. ex., Drosdzol et Skrzypulec, 2008; Hasanpoor-Azghdy et al., 2015), les chercheurs en connaissent toujours peu sur le bien-être sexuel des couples qui suivent un traitement de fertilité. Des recherches ont montré que les couples ayant recours à la procréation médicalement assistée (PMA) sont plus susceptibles d'éprouver des difficultés sexuelles que les couples fertiles (Starc et al., 2019). Toutefois, les facteurs qui permettent d’expliquer ces difficultés chez les couples ayant recours à la PMA ont été très peu étudiés à ce jour. Ainsi, en utilisant une approche biopsychosociale de la compréhension de l’infertilité (Gerrity, 2001; Grinion, 2005; Williams et al., 1992) et de la sexualité (Althof et al., 2005; McCabe et al., 2010), cette thèse examine à la fois les facteurs spécifiques à l'infertilité et les facteurs dyadiques sous-jacents au bien-être sexuel des couples infertiles. Afin de mieux comprendre les facteurs spécifiques à l'infertilité associés à la fonction sexuelle des couples qui ont recours à la PMA, une première étude transversale dyadique a été menée auprès de 185 couples de sexes mixtes en processus de PMA qui ont rempli en ligne l’outil Fertility Quality of Life Tool et soit le Female Sexual Function Index (femmes) ou le International Index of Erectile Function (hommes). L'étude a examiné les facteurs de stress personnels et relationnels, et le désir sexuel, l’orgasme, l’excitation et la satisfaction sexuelle des deux partenaires. Les associations entre les caractéristiques liées au diagnostic de l’infertilité et au traitement et les domaines de fonction sexuelle et la satisfaction sexuelle des deux partenaires ont également été examinées pour déterminer si ces variables seraient incluses comme covariables dans les analyses principales. Les analyses acheminatoires ont révélé que pour les hommes et les femmes, les facteurs de stress émotionnels liés à l'infertilité étaient associés à leur propre désir sexuel et à celui de leurs partenaires. Pour les femmes, les facteurs de stress émotionnels liés à l'infertilité étaient également associés à une satisfaction sexuelle plus faible chez leur partenaire et les facteurs de stress corps-esprit étaient associés à une excitation sexuelle plus faible chez leur partenaire. Les facteurs de stress relationnels liés à l'infertilité étaient également associés à une excitation et satisfaction sexuelle plus faibles des individus et à une satisfaction sexuelle plus faible chez leur partenaire. Pour les femmes, les facteurs de stress relationnels liés à l'infertilité étaient également associés à leur propre désir sexuel et orgasme. Ces résultats suggèrent que les interventions portant sur les sphères émotionnelles, psychocorporelles et relationnelles des couples en PMA pourraient aider à faciliter l'amélioration de la fonction et de la satisfaction sexuelles et à mieux répondre aux besoins des couples infertiles. S'appuyant sur les résultats de la première étude, qui suggèrent que l'expérience subjective des couples en matière d'infertilité et de traitement, en particulier les facteurs de stress relationnels, semblent être plus fortement associés à leur santé sexuelle que les facteurs objectifs liés au traitement, le deuxième article visait à étudier les processus relationnels qui sous-tendent le bien-être sexuel des couples. Plus précisément, l'étude a examiné si les perceptions de gestion du stress dyadique (GSD) du partenaire et de la façon dont les deux partenaires gèrent ensemble le stress (GSD commun) sont associées au bien-être sexuel des deux partenaires chez les couples en processus de PMA. Les participants comprenaient 232 couples avec une infertilité médicale qui ont rempli des questionnaires évaluant la gestion du stress dyadique et le bien-être sexuel (préoccupations sexuelles liées à l'infertilité, détresse sexuelle et satisfaction sexuelle). Les analyses acheminatoires ont révélé que les perceptions que le partenaire utilise plus de stratégies de GSD négatives étaient associées à un bien-être sexuel plus faibles des individus. Les perceptions que le partenaire utilise plus de stratégies de GSD positives étaient associées à une satisfaction sexuelle plus élevée pour les hommes et à des préoccupations sexuelles liées à l'infertilité plus élevées pour les femmes. Les perceptions d’une utilisation plus élevée de GSD commun étaient associées à un bien-être sexuel plus élevé chez les deux partenaires. Pour les hommes, les perceptions d’une utilisation plus élevée de GSD commun étaient également associées à des préoccupations sexuelles liées à l'infertilité plus faibles chez leur partenaire. Les analyses étaient ajustées pour la satisfaction relationnelle. Ces résultats suggèrent que le bien-être sexuel des couples pendant les traitements de fertilité pourrait être facilité en favorisant une gestion de stress dyadique commun plus élevée et soulignent que le contexte interpersonnel entourant la sexualité de ces couples devrait être systématiquement abordé auprès des deux membres du couple.Infertility is recognized as being not only a medical illness, but also a social and emotional condition (Burns & Covington, 2006; Pawar et al., 2020; The Lancet Global Health, 2022). Although studies have increasingly begun to investigate the impact of infertility on psychological and social well-being (e.g., Drosdzol & Skrzypulec, 2008; Hasanpoor-Azghdy et al., 2015), little remains known about the sexual well-being of couples undergoing fertility treatment. Research has shown that couples seeking assisted reproductive technology (ART) are more likely to experience sexual difficulties than fertile couples (Starc et al., 2019). However, very few studies have examined the factors that may explain these difficulties in couples seeking ART. Hence, using a biopsychosocial approach to the understanding of infertility (Gerrity, 2001; Grinion, 2005; Williams et al., 1992) and sexuality (Althof et al., 2005; McCabe et al., 2010), this thesis examines both infertility-specific and dyadic factors underlying the sexual well-being of infertile couples. To better understand the infertility-specific factors associated with the sexual function of couples seeking ART, a first dyadic cross-sectional study was conducted with 185 mixed-sex couples seeking ART who completed online the Fertility Quality of Life Tool and either the Female Sexual Function Index (women) or the International Index of Erectile Function (men). The study examined the association between personal and relational stressors and the sexual desire, orgasm, arousal, and sexual satisfaction of couples seeking ART. The associations between diagnosis and treatment-related factors and both partners’ domains of sexual function and sexual satisfaction were also examined to determine whether these variables should be included as covariates in the main analyses. Path analyses revealed that for men and women, infertility-related emotional stressors were associated with their own and their partners’ lower sexual desire. For women, experiencing greater infertility-related emotional stressors was also associated with their partner’s lower sexual satisfaction and experiencing greater infertility-related mind-body stressors was associated with their partner’s lower sexual arousal. Infertility-related relational stressors were also associated with individuals’ own lower sexual arousal and satisfaction and their partner’s lower sexual satisfaction. For women, experiencing greater relational stressors was also associated with their own lower sexual desire and orgasm. These results suggest that interventions addressing the emotional, mind-body, and relational spheres of couples seeking ART may help facilitate improvements in sexual function and satisfaction and better serve infertile couples’ needs. Building on the results of the first study, which suggest that couples’ subjective experience of infertility and treatment, particularly relational stressors, seem to be more strongly associated with their sexual well-being than objective treatment-related factors, the second study aimed to investigate the relational processes that underly couples’ sexual well-being. More specifically, the study examined whether perceptions of the partner’s dyadic coping (DC) and of how both partners cope together (common DC) are associated with both partners’ sexual well-being in couples seeking ART. Participants included 232 couples with medical infertility who completed questionnaires assessing dyadic coping and sexual well-being (infertility-related sexual concerns, sexual distress, and sexual satisfaction). The path analyses revealed that perceptions of partners’ use of higher negative DC were associated with individuals’ own lower sexual well-being. Perceptions of partners’ use of higher positive DC were associated with higher sexual satisfaction for men and greater infertility-related sexual concerns for women. Perceptions of higher use of common DC were associated with both partners’ higher sexual well-being. For men, perceptions of higher use of common DC were also associated with their partner’s fewer infertility-related sexual concerns (partner effect). Analyses adjusted for relationship satisfaction. These results suggest that couples’ sexual well-being during fertility treatment could be facilitated by promoting greater common DC and highlight that the interpersonal context surrounding these couples’ sexuality should be routinely discussed with both members of the couple

Employee Perceptions of Marriage Enrichment Training Spillover Effects in the Workplace

As employees display a strong commitment to the work environment and experience high marital instability, the criticality of awareness regarding the potential spillover effects between work and marital roles increase (Rogers & May, 2003). Marriage enrichment training (MET) is designed to increase relationship skills and prevent marital distress and divorce. Communication skills, conflict management, stress management and emotional intelligence are techniques taught during MET that can potentially have an impact on the spillover effects within the work environment (Bowling, Hill, & Jencius, 2005). This qualitative study provides connections regarding the spillover effects of MET into the workplace. Semi-structured interviews with MET participants confirmed that spillover effects from MET occurred in the workplace. Two cross-cutting themes were consistently present during participant interviews: a) job-related communication and b) conflict management. Both are essential skills used in the workplace and should encourage organizations to consider MET as a viable training option in future health and wellness training programs

Carers Create: carer perspectives of a creative programme for people with dementia and their carers on the relationship within the (carer and cared for) dyad

Introduction Relationships between people with dementia and their carers can prove challenging over the trajectory of the disease. Interventions with a potential to address this include arts and music-based activities. This research project aimed to evaluate a community engagement programme (Carers Create) where both people with dementia and their carers participate together in singing and other activities. A specific focus was on the impact of the sessions on the dyadic relationship. Methods A grounded theory approach involved conducting three focus group interviews with carers of people with dementia (n=16) facilitated by members of a local U3A (University of the Third Age) who were trained and supported by university researchers. Recorded conversations were transcribed and analysed using a three-stage coding and thematic development technique. Results Four overarching themes were identified from the discourse: remembering the positive qualities of the cared-for; the physical and emotional demands of caring; Carers Create as a shared, beneficial activity; the enduring value of Carers Create. Conclusion Carers found the sessions to positively influence the relationship with the person they cared for through offering some relief from the day-to-day pressures of caring and in some cases restoring elements of a previously strong relationship. Crucial to the experience was the fact that the sessions included both carer and cared-for, offering activities to do together, and that they took place within a group, thereby offering a degree of mutual support. In addition, some carers were able to build on learning which had taken place and use certain techniques, such as singing, to help manage care, thus extending the improved relationship.