Predicting relationship quality and longevity from patterns of interaction in adolescent romantic relationships

This study examined the association between adolescent romantic couple members\u27 interaction with each other and both their overall relationship quality and the stability of their relationships over time. Males\u27, females\u27, and trained observers\u27 perceptions of couple interaction were used to predict couple members\u27 commitment, intimacy, support, depth, and conflict. Both positive and negative behaviors effectively predicted several indices of relationship quality, with different patterns of association emerging for the different raters. Also, sequential patterns of interaction were associated with relationship quality. Couples who were able to manage low-intensity conflict in a reciprocal, mutually involved manner and in which males were more able to acknowledge and accept their girlfriends\u27 positions reported higher overall relationship quality. In addition, the capacity of adolescent couples for mutually managing conflict discriminated those couples who stayed together over time from those who had broken up one year later. The developmental implications of these results are discussed and findings are contrasted with established findings from the literature on marital interaction

Daily Racial Microaggressions and Ethnic Identification among Native American Young Adults

The current study investigated 114 Native American young adults’ experiences of racial microaggressions, and links between microaggression experiences and self-reported ethnic and cultural identification. Microaggressions were assessed using the Daily Racial Microaggressions scale, Short Form (DRM). Ethnic identity and cultural participation were assessed using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and the Orthogonal Cultural Identification Scale (OCIS). Participants reported strong identification with their Native/indigenous ethnicity, along with stronger commitment than exploration on the two MEIM subscales. On the OCIS, participants reported moderately strong identification with Native culture and practices, with strong identification with White American culture. Females reported higher White identification than males, and females also reported significantly stronger identification with White culture than Native. On the DRM, 98% of participants reported experiencing at least one type of racial microaggression. Generally, the extent to which participants were upset by the microaggressions was mild, but all types of microaggressions received ratings from “not upsetting at all” to “extremely upsetting.” Microinvalidations were significantly more upsetting than microinsults for females, but there was no difference among the forms of microaggression for males. Correlational findings demonstrated that greater Native identification was strongly associated with more microaggression experiences, especially among males. Regression analyses found several identity correlates of microaggression experiences. “Assumption of criminality” and “assumed superiority of White values” were most frequently associated with identity scales. Results are discussed within the context of identity development theory

LGBTQ+ Emerging Adults Perceptions of Discrimination and Exclusion within the LGBTQ+ Community

Research on LGBTQ+ emerging adult populations has primarily focused on discrimination that is experienced within the heterodominant culture. Due to systems of oppression and the forces of power and privilege, some sexual and gender minorities experience isolation and discrimination not only within the heterodominant culture, but within the LGBTQ+ community as well. Fourteen lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) young adults (20-25 years) with a diverse array of intersecting identities (e.g., gender, racial, ethnic, religious, cultural) participated in semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups. Participants reported on experiences of biphobia, acephobia, transphobia, gatekeeping the community, LGBTQ+ people of colour’s experiences of racism within the community, other forms of oppression, and offered advice on areas of growth for the LGBTQ+ community. Findings provide insight into LGBTQ+ emerging adults experiences of discrimination and future research implications

Associations Between Relationship Maintenance Behaviors and Marital Stability in Remarriages

Nearly half of adults in the U.S. indicated they had a close step-relative that included stepparents, stepchildren, and other close relationships. The prevalence of stepfamilies is rapidly increasing and represents a population that remains largely understudied. This study explored the roles of socioemotional behaviors (positivity, negativity, and sexual interest) on marital stability for different remarriage constellations (depending on which of the couple, both partners, or neither had previous children). This study uses dyadic relationship data from 879 couples. It was hypothesized that positivity and sexual interest would be inversely related to marital instability, while negativity will be correlated with marital instability

Associations between Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms andAcademic Self Concept

The current study assessed associations among 4 obsessive-compulsive symptom clusters and academic performance in a sample of 147 college undergraduate students. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were assessed using the Leyton Obsessional Inventory short form (LOI-SF; Cooper, 1970). Academic performance was assessed using the Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS; Reynolds, Ramirez, Magrina, & Allen, 1980). Negative, linear associations were observed between the obsessive-compulsive characteristics of doubting/repeating behaviors and academic self-concept, as well as between fears of contamination and academic self-concept. However, a curvilinear association suggested that the symptom cluster of checking behavior and attention to detail, when exhibited at a moderate level, was found to be associated with higher academic self-concept. The results may challenge previously held assumptions that obsessive-compulsive symptoms, regardless of type or severity, are negatively associated with psychosocial functionin