Interpersona: An International Journal on Personal Relationships

Love, Sex, Respect, and Physical Attractiveness in Marital Satisfaction and Remarriage: A Comparison Between Monogamous and Polygynous Marriages

2024-12-20T01:04:26-08:00

Studies on polygyny have been limited to socio-economic factors. The psychosocial aspects involved in the trend of having more than one wife were not studied earlier. The current study explored the role of love, sex, respect, and physical attractiveness in the marital satisfaction of polygynous husbands, monogamous husbands, and monogamous wives. A total of 611 participants from diverse cities in Pakistan took part in the study, comprising 57 polygynous husbands, 57 first wives of polygynous husbands, 57 second wives of polygynous husbands, 220 monogamous husbands, and 220 monogamous wives. Sukoon Marital Life Analysis scale was used to gather data. The results indicated a significant elevation in marital satisfaction among polygynous husbands with their second wives compared to the satisfaction levels of monogamous husbands. Additionally, second wives demonstrated significantly higher satisfaction with their husbands when compared to their first wives. These findings lead to the conclusion that second marriages exhibit notably higher levels of marital satisfaction for both polygynous husbands and their second wives in contrast to the satisfaction reported by monogamous husbands and wives. This study contributes valuable insights into the psychosocial dynamics of polygynous relationships.

“I Need to Belong”: Examining a Negative Halo Effect for Expressions of the Need to Belong

2024-12-20T01:04:27-08:00

We examine a problem faced by individuals with a high need to belong; expressing a desire for social relationships may make it more difficult to form them. In particular, we suggest expressions of heightened belongingness needs create a negative halo effect whereby people expressing those needs appear to be less attractive and more desperate to potential relationship partners. In two experiments, participants viewed hypothetical targets who endorsed high, moderate, or low levels of the need to belong, and then rated these targets on measures of social attractiveness and social desperation. Results revealed that participants rated both high and low need to belong targets as low in social attractiveness (Experiment 1, N = 116) and social stature (Experiment 2, N = 111), relative to the moderate need to belong target. However, participants rated the high need to belong target significantly higher in social desperation, compared to the moderate and low need to belong targets. Lastly, social desperation significantly mediated the association between (high vs. moderate) expressed need to belong and social attractiveness, suggesting that expressing heightened need to belong is uniquely unattractive to others as it conveys a sense of social desperation. Overall, these results suggest that when they express a desire to form close relationships, those high in the need to belong may have a difficult time achieving a sense of belonging.

Cross-Cultural Examination of the Bifactor Structure and Network Invariance of Dark Triad Items Across Four Countries

2024-12-20T01:04:29-08:00

Several investigations have addressed the study of dark triad traits only as specific factors and without taking into account countries where these tendencies can be expressed in culturally diverse ways. The present study aimed to analyze and compare quantitative models of the general tendency of dark personality traits using the bifactor model and a network comparison network across four countries: United States, Peru, Serbia and Germany. A total of n = 2715 adults (59% female, M = 31.04) participated considering open-access data and Peruvian data collection. The well-known dark triad instruments such as the Short Dark Triad and Dirty Dozen scales were used. The results revealed that a bifactor model of the Dark Triad exhibited satisfactory fit indices, and the estimated networks reflected a unique and stable structure of positive correlations of aversive traits in general and in specific clusters. The Machiavellianism domain of the Dirty Dozen scale was the most consistent measure of centrality (expected influence and bridge-expected influence) and predictability that favored interconnectedness with the other traits in the overall multicultural network. Finally, structural differences in dark trait connections were identified in all countries except among European countries.

Loneliness, Stigma, and the Tendency for Interpersonal Victimhood Inhibit Compassion for Some but Not All Suffering Social Groups

2024-12-20T01:04:28-08:00

This study extends recent research on correlates of compassion for suffering social groups. Using a nationally representative sample of 627 U.S. adults, this study used cross-sectional survey data to determine if loneliness, the tendency for interpersonal victimhood, and stigmatizing attitudes held toward suffering social groups correlated with less compassion for suffering social groups. Participants were randomly assigned to respond in regard to one of three suffering social groups: adults who are addicted to opioids, unemployed adults who have been hurt by the rising prices of goods and services, or women who do not have access to reproductive health care in their area. Both main effects and interaction effects were hypothesized. Results showed significant main effects in which loneliness, stigmatizing attitudes held towards a suffering social group, and the tendency for interpersonal victimhood were negatively related to compassion felt for suffering social groups. Additional exploratory analyses showed that these main effects depended on the specific suffering social group. Whereas all three variables inhibited compassion for adults addicted to opioids, only loneliness and stigmatizing attitudes inhibited compassion for the unemployed, and only stigmatizing attitudes inhibited compassion for women lacking access to reproductive health care. These findings can be used to guide the development of future interventions that may address issues that inhibit compassion towards those who are suffering, particularly those in suffering social groups that are stigmatized.

From Strangers to Spouses: Exploring Dyadic Effects of Insecure Attachment and Responsiveness on We-Ness in Indian Arranged Marriages

2024-12-20T01:04:26-08:00

Dyadic studies have shown that insecure attachment styles, anxiety and avoidance, influence relationship outcomes such as relationship satisfaction, quality, and well-being. However, most of these studies have involved couples in choice-based marriages. Few dyadic studies have investigated the actor-partner effects of insecure attachment in arranged marriages. The present study (N = 96 dyads, 192 individuals) explored the mediating effects of perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) on the relationship between attachment insecurities and an individual’s sense of we-ness. Strong statistical support emerged for actor effects; however, partner effects were only partially supported. While Wives’ avoidance attachment was indirectly and negatively associated with husbands’ we-ness through wives’ and husbands’ PPR, the vice-versa was not supported. Moreover, husbands’ anxious attachment was indirectly and negatively associated with wives’ we-ness, and wives’ anxious attachment was indirectly and negatively associated with husbands’ we-ness through husbands’ and wives’ PPR, respectively. The study attempts to unfold the complexity emerging from partners' interactions in Indian arranged marriages.

The Relation Between Interpersonal Relationship Satisfaction and Spiritual Well-Being in Adults

2024-12-20T01:04:27-08:00

The purpose of the study is a correlational analysis between interpersonal relationship satisfaction and spiritual well-being in adults. This study is a quantitative, correlational study. Data were collected through purposive sampling technique from different institutes and organizations. The sample size of the study was sample (n = 200). The age ranges of participants were 20–35 years. Two scales, Spirituality Index of Well-Being (SIWB) and Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS-G), were used for data collection and the data was analyzed statistically. The analysis was carried out by the statistical tests correlation test, t-test and ANOVA. It was revealed through this study that interpersonal relationship satisfaction and Spiritual well-being were positively correlated with each other. Additionally, it was found that married adults have strong spiritual well-being and interpersonal relationships than unmarried adults. However, there was no gender significance difference was found. Moreover, it was revealed that the spiritual well-being and interpersonal relation strength is higher in upper ages then in lower ages.

Perceived Instructor’s Emotional Support and its Mediating Effect to Students’ Academic Resilience and Study Engagement: In the Case of a Higher Education Institution in the Philippines

2024-12-20T01:04:29-08:00

This investigation delved deep into the invisible threads binding student resilience and educational support. Against the backdrop of bustling classrooms and echoing halls, this research sought to unravel how these intertwined factors sculpt students’ academic journeys and well-being. In this regard, the study aimed to examine the mediating role of perceived instructor’s emotional support among 896 students [371 males (41.31%) and 527 females (58.69%)] from a selected higher education institution in the Philippines. Sex differences were notable, with female students generally reporting higher academic resilience and greater perceived emotional support from instructors compared to males. However, both sexes showed similar levels of study engagement. Correlation analyses indicated positive associations: academic resilience correlated positively with study engagement and perceived emotional support, while emotional support correlated positively with study engagement. Path analyses affirmed all hypotheses: academic resilience positively influenced study engagement and perceived emotional support. Perceived emotional support also positively influenced study engagement, partially mediating the relationship between resilience and engagement. These findings underscored the pivotal roles of resilience and emotional support in nurturing student engagement and well-being within higher education contexts. The study suggests practical implications, including the importance of enhancing instructor training in emotional support strategies and implementing resilience-building interventions to foster student success and well-being.

“Hugging With Masks on”: LGBTQ+ College Students’ Relationship Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2024-06-28T00:54:48-07:00

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted many LGBTQ+ college students, who already experience minority stressors. In particular, pandemic-related restrictions may have increased stress in LGBTQ+ students’ romantic relationships, particularly for non-cohabiting LGBTQ+ couples. To understand LGBTQ+ students’ romantic relationship experiences at the start of the pandemic, when pandemic-related restrictions decreased opportunity for face-to-face interaction, we considered relationship experiences (relationship dissolution, in-person and virtual interactions, and changes in sexual behavior) in a sample of LGBTQ+ college students (N = 444; 36.49% non-cohabiting) in the U.S. Participants completed an online survey during April and May, 2020, while their university was still in session. Findings indicated that relationship dissolution due to the pandemic was relatively rare. Roughly half of non-cohabiting students saw their partner in person and the majority who did considered their partner an exception to social distancing. Of students who saw their partner in person, a majority engaged in entertainment activities. Non-cohabiting students were more likely to experience decreased frequency in multiple sexual behaviors with their romantic partners compared to cohabiting students. Overall, results highlight the relationship experiences of non-cohabiting LGBTQ+ students early in the pandemic, and showcase how students continued to find ways to connect with their partner despite pandemic-related restrictions.

All Is Well in Moderation: Perspectives of Young Adults on Positive and Negative Factors Influencing the Quality of Romantic Relationships

2024-06-28T00:54:48-07:00

Considerable research confirms that romantic relationships and their quality are one of the top priorities in the lives of individuals, especially as they enter the emerging adulthood stage. It is indisputably relevant to revisit relationship quality factors in research, even though there is generally plenty of interest in this topic across the research literature. The present study concerns the antecedents of relationship quality in a research-excluded region of Central Eastern Europe, namely Slovakia, where no similar research has been published to date, presuming the cultural specificities of Slovak youth. The study intends to approximate individuals' perceptions, not to fit them into predefined theories; thus, the research is inductive with an experiential orientation to the data. A reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews (37) or written self-moderated accounts (74) from 104 participants in a cohort of 18- to 35-year-olds resulted in the creation of four themes. These reflect the participants’ accounts of the antecedents of relational quality, which are i) external circumstances, ii) partners’ mutual attitudes and feelings, iii) the degree of sharing, and iv) individual contributions to relationship quality (personality, character traits, emotionality). Although the results can be formulated as a positive versus negative duality of oppositional influences, the degree phenomenon is strongly present. The idea that “everything in excess is bad” certainly applies.

Relations Between Authoritarianism, Just World Beliefs, and the Dark Triad Life Philosophy

2024-06-28T00:54:50-07:00

This study examines whether latent biases about the world as a dangerous place lead to antisocial tendencies, suggesting that dark personality traits are not necessarily evil but condition-dependent solutions to analogous worldview perceptions. The application of this model indicates that the extent to which an individual exhibits dark personality traits is determined, in part, by their level of authoritarian ideology (i.e., high in RWA) and the extent to which personal beliefs in a just world moderate this relationship. A convenience non-probability sample of 211 participants (age range: 19–59 years, M_age = 32.76, SD = 11.87; 191 female participants) participated in the current online study. Moderation analysis was performed to assess if the influence of authoritarian ideology (RWA) on Dark Triad life philosophy is the same across different levels of personal beliefs in a just world. This study’s results provide evidence of the moderating influence of Personal Belief in a Just World such that the positive relationship between RWA and Machiavellianism was weakened among those with lower levels of Personal Belief in a Just World. Individual differences in Personal Belief in a Just World and authoritarian ideology (RWA) influence the Machiavellianism side of human nature.