Testing a Model of Minority Identity Achievement, Identity Affirmation and Psychological Well-Being among Ethnic Minority and Sexual Minority Individuals

How is social identity related to psychological well-being among minority individuals? Drawing on developmental models of identity formation (e.g., Erikson, 1968) and on Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), we tested a conceptual model examining links between two key aspects of social identity and psychological well-being. We proposed that the association between identity achievement (exploring and understanding the meaning of one\u27s identity) and psychological well-being is mediated by identity affirmation (developing positive feelings and a sense of belonging to one\u27s social group). Across three studies, including ethnic minority high school students (Study 1), ethnic minority college students (Study 2) and lesbian and gay male adults (Study 3), we found strong support for the model. Results suggest that the process of exploring and understanding one\u27s minority identity can serve as an important basis for developing positive feelings toward and an enhanced sense of attachment to the group, which can in turn confer psychological benefits for minority individuals. Implications and directions for future research are discussed

Testing the investment model of relationship commitment and stability in a longitudinal study of married couples

This study teste

Existential Loneliness and end-of-life care: A Systematic Review

Contains fulltext : 88662.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)Patients with a life-threatening illness can be confronted with various types of loneliness, one of which is existential loneliness (EL). Since the experience of EL is extremely disruptive, the issue of EL is relevant for the practice of end-of-life care. Still, the literature on EL has generated little discussion and empirical substantiation and has never been systematically reviewed. In order to systematically review the literature, we (1) identified the existential loneliness literature; (2) established an organising framework for the review; (3) conducted a conceptual analysis of existential loneliness; and (4) discussed its relevance for end-of-life care. We found that the EL concept is profoundly unclear. Distinguishing between three dimensions of EL-as a condition, as an experience, and as a process of inner growth-leads to some conceptual clarification. Analysis of these dimensions on the basis of their respective key notions-everpresent, feeling, defence; death, awareness, difficult communication; and inner growth, giving meaning, authenticity-further clarifies the concept. Although none of the key notions are unambiguous, they may function as a starting point for the development of care strategies on EL at the end of life.1 april 201

Narcissism and the strategic pursuit of short-term mating : universal links across 11 world regions of the International Sexuality Description Project-2.

Previous studies have documented links between sub-clinical narcissism and the active pursuit of short-term mating strategies (e.g., unrestricted sociosexuality, marital infidelity, mate poaching). Nearly all of these investigations have relied solely on samples from Western cultures. In the current study, responses from a cross-cultural survey of 30,470 people across 53 nations spanning 11 world regions (North America, Central/South America, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia, and East Asia) were used to evaluate whether narcissism (as measured by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory; NPI) was universally associated with short-term mating. Results revealed narcissism scores (including two broad factors and seven traditional facets as measured by the NPI) were functionally equivalent across cultures, reliably associating with key sexual outcomes (e.g., more active pursuit of short-term mating, intimate partner violence, and sexual aggression) and sex-related personality traits (e.g., higher extraversion and openness to experience). Whereas some features of personality (e.g., subjective well-being) were universally associated with socially adaptive facets of Narcissism (e.g., self-sufficiency), most indicators of short-term mating (e.g., unrestricted sociosexuality and marital infidelity) were universally associated with the socially maladaptive facets of narcissism (e.g., exploitativeness). Discussion addresses limitations of these cross-culturally universal findings and presents suggestions for future research into revealing the precise psychological features of narcissism that facilitate the strategic pursuit of short-term mating

Narcisismo y búsqueda estratégica del emparejamiento a corto plazo a través de las culturas: Enlaces omnipresentes a través de 11 regiones mundiales del Proyecto de la descripción de la sexualidad internacional 2

Previous studies have documented links between sub-clinical narcissism and the active pursuit of short-term mating strategies (e.g., unrestricted sociosexuality, marital infidelity, mate poaching). Nearly all of these investigations have relied solely on samples from Western cultures. In the current study, responses from a cross-cultural survey of 30,470 people across 53 nations spanning 11 world regions (North America, Central/South America, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia, and East Asia) were used to evaluate whether narcissism (as measured by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory; NPI) was universally associated with short-term mating. Results revealed narcissism scores (including two broad factors and seven traditional facets as measured by the NPI) were functionally equivalent across cultures, reliably associating with key sexual outcomes (e.g., more active pursuit of short-term mating, intimate partner violence, and sexual aggression) and sex-related personality traits (e.g., higher extraversion and openness to experience). Whereas some features of personality (e.g., subjective well-being) were universally associated with socially adaptive facets of Narcissism (e.g., self-sufficiency), most indicators of short-term mating (e.g., unrestricted sociosexuality and marital infidelity) were universally associated with the socially maladaptive facets of narcissism (e.g., exploitativeness). Discussion addresses limitations of these cross-culturally universal findings and presents suggestions for future research into revealing the precise psychological features of narcissism that facilitate the strategic pursuit of short-term mating.Estudios previos, en primer lugar a través de las muestras de culturas occidentales, han documentado asociaciones sistemáticas del narcisismo subclínico con múltiples indicadores de estrategias del emparejamiento a corto plazo (p. ej. sociosexualidad ilimitada, infidelidad, caza de pareja). En este estudio se han usado respuestas de la encuesta transcultural de 30.470 personas de 53 naciones de 11 regiones mundiales (América del Norte, América del Sur/América Central, Europa del Norte, Europa del Oeste, Europa del Este, Europa del Sur, Oriente Próximo, África, Asia del Sur/Sudoeste de Asia, Asia del Este y Oceanía) para evaluar si el narcisismo (medido por el Inventario de Personalidad Narcisista; NPI) se asocia panuniversalmente con los indicadores del emparejamiento a corto plazo, tanto en la dirección, como en la intensidad. Los resultados sugieren que el narcisismo (incluidos muchos aspectos suyos medidos por el NPI) tiene las mismas asociaciones básicas con los rasgos de personalidad relacionados con el sexo (p. ej. extraversión alta) y con los resultados sexuales claves (p. ej. búsqueda más activa de las estrategias del emparejamiento a corto plazo) a través de las 11 mayores regiones mundiales del PDSI 2. La discusión se enfoca en las implicaciones y limitaciones del estudio actual

Parent adjustment over time in gay, lesbian, and heterosexual parent families adopting from foster care.

Although increasing numbers of gay and lesbian individuals and couples are adopting children, gay men and lesbian women continue to face increased scrutiny and legal obstacles from the child welfare system. To date, little research has compared the experiences of gay or lesbian and heterosexual adoptive parents over time, limiting conceptual understandings of the similarities they share and the unique challenges that gay and lesbian adoptive parents may face. This study compared the adoption satisfaction, depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and social support at 2, 12, and 24 months postplacement of 82 parents (60 heterosexual, 15 gay, 7 lesbian) adopting children from foster care in Los Angeles County. Few differences were found between heterosexual and gay or lesbian parents at any of the assessments or in their patterns of change over time. On average, parents in both household types reported significant increases in adoption satisfaction and maintained low, nonclinical levels of depressive symptoms and parenting stress over time. Across all family types, greater parenting stress was associated with more depressive symptoms and lower adoption satisfaction. Results indicated many similarities between gay or lesbian and heterosexual adoptive parents, and highlight a need for services to support adoptive parents throughout the transition to parenthood to promote their well-being. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)

Parent adjustment over time in gay, lesbian, and heterosexual parent families adopting from foster care.

Although increasing numbers of gay and lesbian individuals and couples are adopting children, gay men and lesbian women continue to face increased scrutiny and legal obstacles from the child welfare system. To date, little research has compared the experiences of gay or lesbian and heterosexual adoptive parents over time, limiting conceptual understandings of the similarities they share and the unique challenges that gay and lesbian adoptive parents may face. This study compared the adoption satisfaction, depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and social support at 2, 12, and 24 months postplacement of 82 parents (60 heterosexual, 15 gay, 7 lesbian) adopting children from foster care in Los Angeles County. Few differences were found between heterosexual and gay or lesbian parents at any of the assessments or in their patterns of change over time. On average, parents in both household types reported significant increases in adoption satisfaction and maintained low, nonclinical levels of depressive symptoms and parenting stress over time. Across all family types, greater parenting stress was associated with more depressive symptoms and lower adoption satisfaction. Results indicated many similarities between gay or lesbian and heterosexual adoptive parents, and highlight a need for services to support adoptive parents throughout the transition to parenthood to promote their well-being. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND GROUP PROCESSES Giving Up and Giving In: The Costs and Benefits of Daily Sacrifice in Intimate Relationships

This research provided the first empirical investigation of how approach and avoidance motives for sacrifice in intimate relationships are associated with personal well-being and relationship quality. In Study 1, the nature of everyday sacrifices made by dating partners was examined, and a measure of approach and avoidance motives for sacrifice was developed. In Study 2, which was a 2-week daily experience study of college students in dating relationships, specific predictions from the theoretical model were tested and both longitudinal and dyadic components were included. Whereas approach motives for sacrifice were positively associated with personal well-being and relationship quality, avoidance motives for sacrifice were negatively associated with personal well-being and relationship quality. Sacrificing for avoidance motives was particularly detrimental to the maintenance of relationships over time. Perceptions of a partner's motives for sacrifice were also associated with well-being and relationship quality. Implications for the conceptualization of relationship maintenance processes along these 2 dimensions are discussed. With these statements, Beecher and Rand express two competing values in Western society: one emphasizing an ethic of altruism, selflessness, and sacrifice, and the other emphasizing individualism, autonomy, and a relentless pursuit of personal freedom. In our intimate relationships, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between these two paths-in situations that pit giving selflessly to a romantic partner against being "true" to our own wishes and desires. After all, what is best for one partner may not always coincide with the other partner's own interests, and vice versa. Some conflicts of interest in relationships are of major importance: Should I relocate to a new city so my partner can take a better job? Should I give away my beloved miniature dachshund puppy because my partner is allergic to dogs? Others are more mundane but potentially recurrent such as disagreements about what TV show to watch, whose friends to go out with, or whether to engage in sexual activity on a particular occasion. One possible resolution to such conflicts of interest is to sacrifice, that is, to give up one's immediate self-interest for the sake of a partner or a relationship (Van Lange, Rusbult, Drigotas, Arriage, Witcher, & Cox, 1997). Clearly, successful relationships require some willingness to set aside personal interests and desires. But, sacrifice cannot always be a useful strategy. Under what circumstances is it harmful to place a partner's interests ahead of one's own? Many feminist clinicians and researchers have been critical of sacrifice, suggesting that it sets the stage for "codependency," relationship dissatisfaction, and depression (e.g., Previous Research on Sacrifice in Close Relationships Despite the potential importance of sacrifice in close relationships (see Most empirical research on sacrifice has been guided by an interdependence theoretical framework Empirical research has focused almost exclusively on the potential benefits of sacrifice for intimate relationships. Across several studies of dating and married couples, willingness to sacrifice was associated with increased dyadic adjustment, assessed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally Sacrifice can also be costly. For instance, one person's sacrifice may resolve an immediate interdependence dilemma but leave lingering feelings of resentment, guilt, dependence, or ensure other psychological costs In summary, research on sacrifice and related phenomena suggests that there are both costs and benefits to giving up one's immediate desires in relationships. What might account for these differing consequences? In this article, we propose that the consequences of sacrifice depend at least in part on the motives that are served. Acts of sacrifice that are motivated by desires to meet another's needs may result in feelings of happiness and satisfaction An Approach-Avoidance Analysis of Sacrifice A "No" uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a "Yes" merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble. -Mahatma Gandhi The present research examined intimate sacrifice from an approach-avoidance motivational perspective (e.g., The Approach-Avoidance Framework Several theories of motivational processes postulate the existence of distinct approach (also called appetitive) and avoidance (also called aversive) motivational systems (see Approach and avoidance motivational systems have been shown to be relatively independent such that individuals with strong approach tendencies do not necessarily possess weak avoidance motives, and vice versa (e.g., The distinction between approach and avoidance motives has implications for understanding emotions and health. In terms of emotions, Scheier (1990, 1998) outlined two independent dimensions of affective experience, one managing approach behavior (and ranging from elation to depression) and the other managing avoidance behavior (and ranging from fear to relief). In a study of motivational dispositions and daily events, Gable, Reis, and Elliot The approach-avoidance motivational distinction has been particularly helpful in understanding social motivation. Several early theorists distinguished between approach and avoidance social regulation (e.g., Applying the Framework to Sacrifice The following section considers possible ways in which approach and avoidance motives for sacrifice may influence both personal well-being, the well-being of the partner, and the quality of intimate relationships. Effects on the Person Who Sacrifices In terms of personal well-being, people may have different emotional experiences if they sacrifice for a partner in pursuit of different motives. For instance, gratifying a partner's wishes to make him or her happy (an approach motive) may lead to increased pleasure and positive emotions through the process of empathic identification (e.g., In the interpersonal realm, people may feel differently toward their partners and their relationships, depending on whether they sacrifice for approach or avoidance motives. A man who sacrifices to please his wife (an approach motive) may subsequently feel greater satisfaction knowing that he has cared for and responded to his wife in a loving manner. In contrast, a man who sacrifices to avoid disappointing his wife (an avoidance motive) may feel resentment or other negative emotions that detract from his satisfaction in the marriage. A recent empirical study of dating relationships provides preliminary support for these claims Effects on the Recipient of Sacrifice When faced with a potential conflict of interest in relationships, individuals often pay attention to whether or not their partner chooses to deviate from self-interested concerns Individual Differences As previous research has documented, there may be strong dispositional tendencies to construe social situations in approach or avoidance terms (e.g., Overview of the Present Research We conducted two studies to test predictions from approachavoidance theories of motivation about when sacrifice is beneficial or costly for individuals and their intimate relationships. In Study 1, we used both open-and closed-ended methods to gain rich, contextual information about the types of sacrifices made by dating partners in everyday life, to develop a measure of sacrifice motives, and to provide preliminary evidence for the predictive validity of the approach and avoidance subscales of the new measure. In Study 2, we used an experience-sampling method to provide a systematic test of the associations between daily sacrifice motives and both personal well-being and relationship quality. Four main sets of predictions were tested. The first set was within person in nature and included specific predictions about how motives for sacrifice are associated with personal well-being (e.g., emotions, life satisfaction) and relationship quality (e.g., satisfaction, closeness, conflict). The second set was between person in nature and included specific predictions about how individual differences in H AFF and F REJ are associated with motives for sacrifice. The third set was longitudinal in nature and concerned the association between sacrifice motives and relationship satisfaction and stability over a 1-month span of time. The fourth set concerned associations between perceptions of a partner's motives for sacrifice and both personal well-being and relationship quality. Study 1 We had two main goals in Study 1. The first goal was to provide descriptive information about actual sacrifices made in dating relationships. The second goal was to create a reliable and valid measure of approach and avoidance sacrifice motives. To provide initial evidence for the discriminant validity of the two subscales, it is important to demonstrate that approach and avoidance motives for sacrifice are differentially associated with relationship satisfaction. Specifically, we predicted that approach sacrifice motives will be positively associated with relationship satisfaction, whereas avoidance motives will be negatively associated with satisfaction