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Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a disease that involves chronic pain, with high prevalence in the female population and great impact on the bio-psycho-social sphere of people affected by it. However, few studies have analyzed the possible influence of socio-affective factors on the quality of life of people who suffer from this disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between the impact of this disease on the lives of people with fibromyalgia and these variables. Specifically, we analyzed the quality of partner relationship, perceived loneliness, life satisfaction, and perceived socio-family situation. Method: A descriptive-correlational cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 69 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The participants completed different questionnaires that measured their happiness, satisfaction with life, perceived loneliness, quality of partner relationship, socio-family valuation, and the impact of fibromyalgia. Results: The quality of partner relationship, perceived loneliness and socio-family valuation seem to be good predictors of subjective happiness, life satisfaction, and the impact that fibromyalgia has on people's lives, in the sense that the more positive the valuation of the couple relationship and of the socio-family situation, and the lower the perceived loneliness, people feel happier, more satisfied with their lives and the lower the impact that fibromyalgia has on their lives. Conclusion: The 50% of satisfaction with life can be explained from the scores obtained in perceived loneliness and the quality of partner relationship. In this sense, perceived loneliness was a good predictor of the impact of fibromyalgia on the lives of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the long-term social and professional outcomes in adults after pediatric kidney replacement therapy (KRT). In this study, we described social and professional outcomes of adults after kidney failure during childhood and compared these outcomes with the general population. Methods: We sent a questionnaire to 143 individuals registered in the Swiss Pediatric Renal Registry (SPRR) with KRT starting before the age of 18 years. In the questionnaire, we assessed social (partner relationship, living situation, having children) and professional (education, employment) outcomes. Logistic regression models adjusted for age at study and sex were used to compare outcomes with a representative sample of the Swiss general population and to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with adverse outcomes. Results: Our study included 80 patients (response rate 56%) with a mean age of 39 years (range 19–63). Compared to the general population, study participants were more likely to not have a partner (OR = 3.7, 95%CI 2.3–5.9), live alone (OR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.5–4.1), not have children (OR = 6.8, 95%CI 3.3–14.0), and be unemployed (OR = 3.9, 95%CI 1.8–8.6). No differences were found for educational achievement (p = 0.876). Participants on dialysis at time of study were more often unemployed compared to transplanted participants (OR = 5.0, 95%CI 1.2–21.4) and participants with > 1 kidney transplantation more often had a lower education (OR = 3.2, 95%CI 1.0–10.2). Conclusions: Adults after pediatric kidney failure are at risk to experience adverse social and professional outcomes. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals and additional psycho-social support could contribute to mitigate those risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionFibromyalgia is a disease that involves chronic pain, with high prevalence in the female population and great impact on the bio-psycho-social sphere of people affected by it. However, few studies have analyzed the possible influence of socio-affective factors on the quality of life of people who suffer from this disease.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the relationships between the impact of this disease on the lives of people with fibromyalgia and these variables. Specifically, we analyzed the quality of partner relationship, perceived loneliness, life satisfaction, and perceived socio-family situation.MethodA descriptive-correlational cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 69 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The participants completed different questionnaires that measured their happiness, satisfaction with life, perceived loneliness, quality of partner relationship, socio-family valuation, and the impact of fibromyalgia.ResultsThe quality of partner relationship, perceived loneliness and socio-family valuation seem to be good predictors of subjective happiness, life satisfaction, and the impact that fibromyalgia has on people’s lives, in the sense that the more positive the valuation of the couple relationship and of the socio-family situation, and the lower the perceived loneliness, people feel happier, more satisfied with their lives and the lower the impact that fibromyalgia has on their lives.ConclusionThe 50% of satisfaction with life can be explained from the scores obtained in perceived loneliness and the quality of partner relationship. In this sense, perceived loneliness was a good predictor of the impact of fibromyalgia on the lives of these patients.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) in China is a largely understudied, major health risk among women living with HIV. Using structured face-to-face interviews, this research examined partner and couple relationship characteristics associated with physical and sexual IPV among 219 HIV-positive women living with a male partner in Ruili, China. Twenty-nine women (13%) reported past-year occurrences of physical IPV, and 24 (11%) reported sexual IPV. Physical IPV was more common when the woman's partner was of Jingpo ethnicity, drank weekly, or learned of her HIV status indirectly from a third person. Reduced risk of physical IPV was associated with a woman's perceived confidant support that was available through either her partner or a minimum of 2 non-partner confidants. Sexual IPV was more often reported among women with a partner who drank frequently or was concurrently HIV-positive, or in situations where the woman was employed and the partner was not. Sexual IPV was less likely with a partner of Dai ethnicity than Han, the major ethnicity in China. Identifying determinants of IPV vulnerability among women living with HIV may help future interventions to achieve greater impact in similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been some reports regarding the impact of COVID-19 on male psychosexual health. Aims and Objectives: To assess the severity of stress during COVID-19 and to determine the association of stress levels with partner relationships and sexual activity. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia through social media platforms via an online questionnaire between 1 December 2020 and 31 January 2021 among 871 participants after a pilot study among 20 participants, of which 497 were included in the study. Stress levels were assessed using the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0. Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages, and associations were studied using the Chi-squared test/Fisher's exact test. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 497 participants who had been infected with COVID-19 completed the survey. In total, it was found that 203 (40.8%) had severe stress scores (severe and extremely severe scores merged), while 131 (26.4%) had moderate stress scores. About 84 (16.9%) participants agreed that their sexual desire decreased, 91 (18.1%) confirmed their sexual intercourse frequency decreased, and sexual satisfaction decreased in 76 (15.3%). A significant positive correlation was found in that those who disagreed with having a good sexual relationship tended to have severe stress (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There were increased levels of stress during the lockdown period, which impacted psychosexual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess sexual activity, partner relationships among males who had been infected with COVID-19, to study the impact of COVID-19 infection on partner relationship and to find out the association between partner and sexual relationship during lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia through social media platforms via online questionnaire between December 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 among 871 participants after a pilot study among 20 participants of which 497 were included in the study. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages and the association was studied using Chi squared test/Fisher's exact test. The value of p ≤ .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Out of the total study participants, nearly 85% of them belonged to the age range of 18 to 39 years, more than half of the participants were married. In the six months prior to the study being conducted, 268 respondents (53.9%) did not have sexual relationships. Respondents with positive COVID-19 infection reported that their partner lived with them in the same house during home isolation and was also found to be significantly associated with having intact sexual relationships in the last six months of the lockdown period (p-value < .001). Moreover, respondents who reported having good relationships with their partners during the pandemic were found to be significantly associated with having intact sexual relationships during the pandemic lockdown (p-value < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among the COVID-19-positive respondents, sexual activity and partner relationships were largely found to be intact during the pandemic lockdown period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with dark personality traits tend to be unsympathetic, manipulative, and violent, and this can affect their intimate partner relationships. The objective of this research is to analyze how the presence of the dark personality traits affects young people's intimate couple relationships. Sociodemographic variables, sexual practices, and tendencies towards the partner, moral disengagement (PMD), and the dark personality traits were assessed in 308 participants, all of them aged between 18 and 25, of whom 78.3% were women and 21.2% were men. Men obtained higher scores than women both in moral disengagement and dark personality traits, as did people who were unfaithful or who consumed pornographic content, which conditions the quality of couple relationships. Consistent with this, men with higher levels of dark personality traits and higher use of a moral disengagement mechanism also presented a greater tendency towards infidelity, especially repeated infidelity. Infidelity is highly related to the presence of dark personality traits, unrestricted socio-sexuality, and having more sexual partners. These results aid in the design of interventions to prevent sexual harassment and abuse in young people and their intimate partner relationships.

Many fathers suffer from burdening depressive symptoms in the period after the birth of their child (postnatal depression [PND]). In mothers, attachment insecurity has been empirically linked to the development and maintenance of postpartum depression, but its role in father PND is not well understood. The present study investigated the link between attachment insecurity and paternal depressive symptoms in the postnatal period, employing multiple depression measures to capture both typical and male-specific depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the potential mediating role of parenting stress (feelings of restriction and incompetence in parenting), and relational variables (consensus in, and satisfaction with, the couple relationship). Data were collected by an online survey responded to by fathers of infants 1–18 months old (N = 530). Both a direct link between attachment anxiety and father PND, and an indirect link, mediated by parenting stress, were found. A weaker, indirect link between attachment avoidance and father PND was found, also mediated by parenting stress. Especially men high in attachment anxiety may experience parenting as stressful and thereby have an elevated risk for depressive symptoms. Surprisingly, relational difficulties were not linked to father PND. The study contributes to the understanding of mechanisms underlying how attachment anxiety influences the risk of depression in the postnatal period in fathers. Public Significance Statement: Father postnatal depressive symptoms are linked to attachment anxiety. Feelings of restriction and incompetence in parenting, as distinct expressions of parental stress, mediate this link. In contrast, relational variables—that might be expected to mediate between attachment anxiety and depression symptoms in the postnatal period in men—do not. This understanding of how attachment anxiety contributes to father depression in the postnatal period can help define what constitutes effective preventive/supportive action to help fathers, and families, in this crucial period of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partner relationship refers to the degree of intimacy, affection and contentment felt by the couple in their relationship. Psycho-social attributes plays a vital role in maintaining a harmonious relationship between partners. The objectives of the study were to explore the psychological and social attributes of partner relationship among married and divorced males and females. Qualitative design was adopted using in- depth interviews and focus group discussion techniques. Ten psycho-social themes emerged after content analysis; viz communicating within family, mutual understanding, trust and commitment, love and caring, Personal attributes, bonding with children, Influence of support system, satisfying sexual life, exploitation and conflict resolution and coping styles. The study can be useful in couple counseling sessions and premarital guidance programme for identifying and foreseeing the major psycho-social areas of concern in a marital relationship, thereby equip them to handle the discrepancies tactfully and effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores marital adjustment among couples raising a temperamentally difficult infant. Employing a multiple case study methodology we conducted ten interviews with six couples. The parenting distress these couples experienced meant they were at higher risk of marital maladjustment. Four couples experienced marital crisis, resulting in the separation of one couple. Our analysis suggests that reference to “insufficient father involvement” during the interviews signaled problems with the mother’s satisfaction and marital adjustment. We found that mothers consider four specific aspects of paternal behavior as constituting involvement: 1. the father caring for the child in the mother’s presence, 2. the father caring for the child on his own, 3. the father sleeping in the same room as the mother and baby, and 4. the father being psychologically involved and supportive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic disease of the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is usually diagnosed in the second and third decades of life. Sexual health is a basic human right and an integral part of the personality of every human being. The most common sexual problems manifest themselves when interacting with another person. Aim of the research: Evaluation of sexual dysfunctions in people with a diagnosis of MS in Poland. Material and methods: The study involved 197 women and men between 18 and 45 years old. The research tool consisted of standardised questionnaires: the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS). Results: All questionnaires values in the study group (SG) indicated a greater severity of dysfunction compared with the control group (CG). Also, after using cut-off points, sexual and partnership dysfunctions were found more often in the SG with all three questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, indicated that sexual dysfunctions in women were associated with a diagnosis of MS, and erectile dysfunction in men was associated with a diagnosis of MS. Conclusions: Both women and men with a diagnosis of MS have a greater risk of sexual dysfunction than the healthy population in Poland. This fact should be considered in a holistic diagnosis and therapeutic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Close relationships are associated with pregnancy outcomes, but little is known about the mechanisms involved. This paper examines whether quality of women’s close relationships, specifically with romantic partner (RP) and closest friend or family member (CF), is associated with inflammatory biomarkers during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods 90 pregnant women were assessed during the second and third trimester. At both visits they completed self-reports describing the positive and negative aspects of their RP and CF relationships. Peripheral blood was collected during these visits, and used to measure systemic levels of cytokines, including IFNγ, IL10, IL6, IL8 and IL13. An index of inflammatory regulation, as reflected by the ratio of IL6:IL10, was also computed. Results Positive (e.g. support, intimacy) and negative (e.g. conflict) aspects of the RP relationship interacted to predict third trimester cytokine values. Specifically, RP relationships relatively low in both positive and negative aspects were associated with lower third trimester anti-inflammatory (IL10, IL13) and anti-viral (IFNγ) cytokines, and a higher IL6:IL10 ratio, controlling for second trimester levels. These associations were independent of demographics, gestational age, weeks between assessment, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal stress, distress, depressed mood and RP cohabitation. CF relationship aspects were not associated with inflammatory markers. Conclusions RP relationships relatively low in both positive, e.g. support and intimacy, and negative, e.g. conflict, aspects were associated with a less anti- and more pro-inflammatory cytokine profile during the third trimester. These findings have implications for understanding the associations amongst close relationships, inflammation, and potentially pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual behavior affects and is affected by other people. The aim of this study was to examine if emotional distress in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and their spouses was associated with their own and their partner’s perceived health. Participants included 91 dyads of patients and their spouses. Emotional distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and perceived health was measured with the Short Form 36 Health Survey. The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model was used for dyad-level analyses of associations, using structural equation modeling. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with lower levels of perceived health in patients and spouses. Higher levels of depression in patients were associated with lower levels of vitality in spouses and vice versa. As AF patients and their spouses influence each other, health-care interventions should consider the dyad to address dyadic dynamics. This may benefit the health of the individual patient and of the couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To identify factors associated with father-to-infant attachment at 6 months postpartum. Background:Poor father-to-infant attachment can lead to developmental problems in infants. Some studies suggest that poor paternal mental health may be negatively associated with father-to-infant attachment, but there is currently little evidence about other potential risk factors for poor father-to-infant attachment, such as aspects of the intimate partner relationship and infant characteristics. Methods:A community sample of couples with a first infant was recruited from diverse Local Government Areas. Men completed two telephone interviews, at 4 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Father-to-infant attachment was assessed using the Parental Attachment Questionnaire (PAQ). Other standardised instruments included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety and the Intimate Bonds Measure (IBM) to assess quality of the intimate partner relationship. The outcome measure was Parental Attachment Questionnaire (PAQ) total score. Structural equation modelling was used to identify factors associated with lower PAQ scores. Results:Total PAQ scores were provided by 270 men. Poorer quality father-to-infant attachment was significantly associated with personality traits like oversensitivity (p = 0.03), more symptoms of depression and anxiety (p = 0.02), poorer quality partner relationship (p = 0.01) and more frequent partner criticism of infant care (p = 0.01). Conclusion:Fathers should be included in routine postnatal care. Critical behaviour by the partner is a potentially modifiable risk factor for poor father-to-infant attachment. Perinatal primary care health services programmes should focus on building parents’ skills to provide sensitive, affirming care for each other and for the infant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a descriptive study that examined and compared patterns of change for both patients and partners during the first year post-implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The findings revealed that partners compared to patients experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, that patient mutuality was stable while partner mutuality increased, and that patient sensitivity was highest at discharge while partner sensitivity increased across patient's 12-month recovery.

The issue of partner relationships and family life as one of the areas determining the quality of life of people with physical disabilities has been long neglected in the Czech environment. The situation is slowly improving, but there is still a lack of research on the personal lives of physically disabled people. Thus, the authors have focused on this under-researched area through qualitative research. The participants expressed their intimate experience during semi-structured interviews and the obtained data was analyzed in accordance with the principles of practice-based theory procedures. The results show that partner and sexual relationships are an integral part of young adults' lives. The informants, on the other hand, identified some limits in their interpersonal relations which could generate a need for specialized help provided by social workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) leads to a significant decrease in CFS-related symptoms and disability. The primary objective of this study was to explore whether partners' solicitous responses and patients' and partners' perceived relationship satisfaction had an effect on treatment outcome. Method. The treatment outcome of a cohort of 204 consecutively referred patients treated with CBT was analysed. At baseline, CFS patients completed the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire. The Checklist Individual Strength subscale Fatigue and the Sickness Impact Profile total scores completed by CFS patients post-treatment were used as measures of clinically significant improvement. Partners completed the Family Response Questionnaire, the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Causal Attribution List. Logistic regression analyses were performed with clinically significant improvement in fatigue and disability as dependent variables and scores on questionnaires at baseline as predictors. Results. Solicitous responses of the partner were associated with less clinically significant improvement in fatigue and disability. Partners more often reported solicitous responses when they perceived CFS as a severe condition. Patients' relationship dissatisfaction was negatively associated with clinically significant improvement in fatigue. Conclusions. Partners' solicitous responses and illness perceptions at the start of the therapy can negatively affect the outcome of CBT for CFS. We emphasize the importance of addressing this in therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The physiological changes during each trimester of pregnancy have a significant impact on women's sexual behavior. Aim The aim of the work was to assess changes in the sexual function during pregnancy. Methods The prospective study encompassed 520 pregnant women aged between 18 and 45, of whom 168 were qualified for the final analysis. The research tool was a purpose-designed research questionnaire and the standardized Female Sexual Function Index. Main Outcome Measures To assess changes in the sexual function among pregnant women aged 18-45 in the three pregnancy trimesters. Results All the studied parameters, i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain, decreased significantly with the progression of pregnancy. Analyzing the frequency of sexual intercourse in the studied group before and during pregnancy, a statistically significant decrease ( P < 0.000001) was observed. Sexual desire changed statistically significantly ( P = 0.0004). The direction of change concerned decreased sexual desire in the three trimesters compared with the situation before pregnancy. Statistical significance was demonstrated for: decreased sexual desire ( P = 0.00007), partner's reluctance ( P = 0.002), and pregnancy-related changes in appearance ( P = 0.03). Conclusions Sexual function was compromised and sexual activity decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Changes in the domains of arousal, lubrication, and orgasm were particularly notable in primaparae in the third trimester of pregnancy. Unsatisfying partner relationship was a significant factor affecting the quality of sexual life during pregnancy. Gałązka I, Drosdzol-Cop A, Naworska B, Czajkowska M, and Skrzypulec-Plinta V. Changes in the sexual function during pregnancy. J Sex Med 2015;12:445-454.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Interactive relationships are necessary for personality formation in all stages of life, but adolescence is a period of finding a partner; and we are interested to find out how the emotional bond with a partner reflects emotional closeness in comparison with individuals without a current relationship. In this study, we will focus our attention on the relationships of adolescents in accordance with family and partners, as well as their personal well-being. We are interested to what extent there are differences in the subjective living and the need to start a relationship across both genders. The research sample consisted of university students of humanities and economic studies (N= 98, M=23, 97; 19- 24 years) in Trnava and in Galanta (UCM, BIVŠ, UJAK). A substantial proportion of the sample represents female adolescents who are in a romantic relationship for at least a year [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Prospective studies regarding the psychosexual impact after different types of breast reconstruction (BR) are scarce. The impact of either implant or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap BR on body image and sexual relationship satisfaction was investigated in time. Methods At baseline, 98 women opting for delayed implant or DIEP flap BR after mastectomy for breast cancer completed a survey. The majority was followed up at 6 months (96%) and 20 months (86%) postoperatively. Questionnaires included the body image scale, Dutch Relationship Questionnaire, Short Form - 36 Health Survey and the Impact of Event Scale. Results Mixed modeling analyses indicated that preoperative body image improved significantly after 20 months ( p < 0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference between the two types of BR. A better body image was related to a better general mental health ( p = 0.02), less cancer distress ( p < 0.001) and a higher partner relationship satisfaction ( p < 0.001). Sexual relationship satisfaction also increased after 20 months ( p = 0.01), and it was positively related to higher partner relationship satisfaction but negatively affected by hormonal therapy. Conclusions Body image and sexual relationship satisfaction significantly improved after BR, and this was not related to the BR type. Psychosexual consequences from previous cancer treatment may interfere. Lower general mental health, higher cancer distress, less partner relationship satisfaction or receiving hormonal therapy can negatively affect body image or sexual relationship satisfaction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy with breast reconstruction (BPM-IBR) in healthy BRCA1/2 mutation carriers can be potentially burdensome for body image and the intimate relationship. Therefore, in the current analysis the impact on body image, sexual and partner relationship satisfaction was prospectively investigated in women opting for BPM-IBR as well as cancer distress and general quality of life. Healthy women undergoing BPM-IBR completed questionnaires preoperatively (T0, n = 48), at 6 months (T1, n = 44) and after finishing breast reconstruction (median 21 months, range 12-35) (T2, n = 36). With multi-level regression analyses the course of outcome variables was investigated and a statistically significant change in body image and/or sexual and partner relationship satisfaction was predicted by baseline covariates. Body image significantly decreased at T1. At T2 sexual relationship satisfaction and body image tended to be lower compared to baseline. The overall partner relationship satisfaction did not significantly change. At T2, 37 % of the women reported that their breasts felt unpleasantly, 29 % was not satisfied with their breast appearance and 21 % felt embarrassed for their naked body. Most body image issues remained unchanged in 30 % of the women. A negative body image was predicted by high preoperative cancer distress. BPM-IBR was associated with adverse impact on body image in a substantial subgroup, but satisfaction with the overall sexual and partner relationship did not significantly change in time. The psychosocial impact of BPM-IBR in unaffected women should not be underestimated. Psychological support should ideally be integrated both before and after BPM-IBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Using data from the Australian First-Time Fathers Study, this article investigates the relationship between a father’s antenatal attachment to his foetus and his subsequent attachment to his infant at 6 and 12 months postnatally.Method:204 first-time expectant fathers were assessed, and subsequently reassessed at 6 and 12 months postpartum on a large number of measures (including attachment).Results:Findings highlight the strong continuity of attachment across these three assessment points, as well as the important influence of the man’s partner relationship and mental well-being on his attachment.Conclusion:Pregnancy provides a potential window of opportunity for enhancing antenatal attachment in expectant fathers, with potential long-term benefits for the future father–child relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Maternal postpartum emotional distress is quite common and can pose significant risk to mothers and infants. The current study investigated mothers' relationships with their partners during pregnancy and tested the hypotheses that perception of prenatal partner support is a significant predictor of changes in maternal emotional distress from midpregnancy to postpartum, and contributes to maternal ratings of infant distress to novelty. Using a prospective longitudinal design, 272 adult pregnant women were interviewed regarding their partner support, relationship satisfaction, and interpersonal security (attachment style and willingness to seek out support), and they completed standardized measures of prenatal symptoms of depression and anxiety (distress). At 6 to 8 weeks' postpartum, mothers reported these symptoms again and completed measures of their infants' temperament. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test direct and indirect contributions of partner support, relationship satisfaction, and interpersonal security to maternal and infant postpartum distress. Mothers who perceived stronger social support from their partners midpregnancy had lower emotional distress postpartum after controlling for their distress in early pregnancy, and their infants were reported to be less distressed in response to novelty. Partner support mediated the effects of mothers' interpersonal security and relationship satisfaction on maternal and infant outcomes. A high-quality, supportive partner relationship during pregnancy may contribute to improved maternal and infant well-being postpartum, indicating a potential role for partner relationships in mental health interventions, with possible benefits for infants as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to integrate a psychosomatic approach in the investigation of causes for preterm deliveries. Methods: A prospective study including 589 pregnant women between the 13th and the 24th gestation week (GW) was performed. In addition to medical and sociodemographic risk factors for preterm birth, factors such as biographical information, coping strategies and personality factors, pregnancy-related attitudes and anxieties as well as the pregnant women's social environment were examined. A factor analysis was performed using a principal component method with subsequent varimax rotation. Results: Psychosocial variables were found to have a significant influence on the course of pregnancy and delivery. A total of 29 pregnant women (5.8%) delivered prematurely before they completed the 37th GW. Lack of support, poor emotional understanding by the partner, and additional stress subsequent to gynecological disorders were significantly associated with prematurity delivery. Pregnancy-related fears and general anxiety were additional significant predictors for preterm delivery. Conclusions: Partner relationships, women's support groups, psychosomatic reactions due to problems with reproductive functions, and anxiety deserve special attention for the prevention of preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Study Objective: Topical microbicides are being developed to provide an alternative method of prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Although topical microbicides would be a female-controlled method of prevention, their use is likely to be disclosed to partners. Thus, the characteristics of the partner relationship may play a role in their use. We sought to examine whether qualities of the relationship and of the partner were associated with using a microbicide-like product. Design: We studied 166 females (14 to 21 years of age) who were participating in a 6-month study of microbicide-like products (vaginal lubricants). They described partner relationships and characteristics of the partners. Results: Of the 166 participants, 118 used the product. In bivariate analyses, those whose relationships were longer, monogamous, more mutual, and more satisfying were more likely to use the product. Further, when sex occurred in the young women''s or couples’ homes, use also was more likely. There was no relationship between product use and whether the partner had a job or was in school or between the partners’ levels of substance use. In a multivariable logistic regression with backwards elimination, only relationship satisfaction remained significant in the model. Conclusion: Topical microbicides will be used within the context of a relationship, and characteristics of the relationship most likely will influence use. These findings suggest that special attention may have to be given to supporting use in high-risk relationships and that all interventions to enhance uptake should consider the relationship context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. Limited published data address the impact of low sexual desire and interest on multiple domains of women's partnered relationships. Aim. To investigate associations between sexual interest and attitudes toward and frequency of partner interactions in women with reduced sexual desire. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using market research databases to recruit women from the general community in the United States, Germany, and Italy. Telephone interviews screened women to obtain a sample aged 18–65 years, in a relationship, and upset/bothered by decreased sexual desire. A 60-minute face-to-face questionnaire was conducted in participants' homes. Main Outcome Measures. Attitudes Toward Partner Interactions (ATPI) index measured sexual and nonsexual partner interactions. Higher scores indicated more positive attitudes and a higher frequency of partner interactions. Sexual interest was assessed on a 6-point scale. Results. One thousand four hundred two of the 8,000 women screened met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate (USA N = 600, Germany N = 402, Italy N = 400). A high percentage of participants reported that their sexual interest was absent to very weak (45%) or somewhat weak (43%). Mean ATPI scores increased significantly across sexual interest categories, from absent to very weak (3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4 to 4.0) to somewhat weak (5.3, 95% CI 5.0 to 5.6) to somewhat strong or greater sexual interest (7.8, 95% CI 7.3 to 8.4) (one-way analysis of variance, effect size = 0.129, P = 0.001). Higher reported sexual interest was significantly associated with comparatively positive ATPI scores (above the median) (Phi-Kraemer, K = 0.194 P < 0.001). Conclusion. Clinicians need to be aware that women suffering from characteristics of hypoactive sexual desire disorder have more negative patterns of partner interactions. Dennerstein L, Hayes R, Sand M, and Lehert P. Attitudes toward and frequency of partner interactions among women reporting decreased sexual desire. J Sex Med 2009;6:1668–1673. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the relationship between male and female dance partners. Participants were 171 Hungarian competitive dancers. The study focused on how the competitors view their own partnership (how they define this relationship), how important they consider it for success, how they handle conflict, and how often they change partners. Another interesting question was the effect on achievement in competitive dancing when the partners are romantically involved and when such a couple breaks up. A comparison of partner relationships of dancers in various categories (from beginners to the best) provides interesting data for understanding the harmonious cooperation that is required for effective, long-term mutual performance. Findings suggest the importance of appropriate preparation for effective and productive conflict management and skillful cooperation with the dance partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partner relationships are relevant in the psychological adjustment during the transition to parenthood, but mothers have been studied more often than fathers in this respect. The Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) to assess positive and negative dimensions of the partner relationship, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess depression and the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety were administered to forty-three women and their partners recruited during the second trimester of pregnancy and seen again until after delivery in order to assess differences in women's/men's anxiety and depression according to partner relationships. Results indicate that women/men with a less positive relationship with the partner show higher anxiety than women/men with a more positive partner relationship, and those women/men with a more negative relationship with the partner show both higher depression and higher anxiety than women/men with a less negative relationship with the partner. Also partners of women/men with a more negative partner relationship show higher depression than partners of women/men with a less negative partner relationship. Psychological adjustment during the transition to parenthood of both the women/men and the partner is impacted by the partner relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]