- Seattle, United States
The Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI, Bodenmann, 2008) assesses how couples support each other when facing individual (e.g., workload) and common (e.g., parenting) stressors. Specifically, the DCI measures partners’ perceptions of their own... more
The Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI, Bodenmann, 2008) assesses how couples support each other when facing individual (e.g., workload) and common (e.g., parenting) stressors. Specifically, the DCI measures partners’ perceptions of their own (Self) and their partners’ behaviors (Partner) when facing individual stressors, and partners’ common coping behaviors when facing common stressors (Common). To date, the DCI has been validated in six different languages from individualistic Western cultures; however, as culture can affect interpersonal interactions, it is unknown whether the DCI is a reliable measure of coping behaviors for couples living in collectivistic Eastern cultures. Based on data from 474 Chinese couples (N = 948 individuals), the current study examined the Chinese version of the DCI’s factorial structure, measurement invariance, and construct validity of test scores. Using three cultural groups (China, Switzerland, and the United States), confirmatory factor analysis revealed a 5-factor structure regarding Self and Partner and a 2-factor structure regarding Common dyadic coping. Results from analyses of measurement invariance indicated that the DCI subscales met the criteria for configural, metric, and full/partial scalar invariance across cultures (Chinese-Swiss and Chinese-U.S.) and genders (Chinese men and women). Results further revealed good construct validity of the DCI test scores. In all, the Chinese version of the DCI can be used for measuring Chinese couples’ coping behaviors, and is available for cross-cultural studies examining dyadic coping behaviors between Western and Eastern cultures.
Couple relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for currently satisfied couples, with a goal of helping couples sustain satisfaction. However, RE also might be useful as a brief, accessible... more
Couple relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for currently satisfied couples, with a goal of helping couples sustain satisfaction. However, RE also might be useful as a brief, accessible intervention for couples with low satisfaction. Two studies were conducted that tested whether couples with low relationship satisfaction show meaningful gains after RE. Study 1 was a three-condition randomized controlled trial in which 182 couples were randomly assigned to RELATE with Couple CARE (RCC), a flexible delivery education program for couples, or one of two control conditions. Couples with initially low satisfaction receiving RCC showed a moderate increase in relationship satisfaction (d = 0.50) relative to the control. In contrast, couples initially high in satisfaction showed little change and there was no difference between RCC and the control conditions. Study 2 was an uncontrolled trial of the Couple Coping Enhancement Training (CCET) administered to 119 couples. Couples receiving CCET that had initially low satisfaction showed a moderate increase in satisfaction (g = .44), whereas initially highly satisfied couples showed no change. Brief relationship education can assist somewhat distressed couples to enhance satisfaction, and has potential as a cost-effective way of enhancing the reach of couple interventions. Couple relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for currently
Objective: Theories about how couples help each other to cope with stress, such as the systemic transactional model of dyadic coping, suggest that the cultural context in which couples live influences how their coping behavior affects... more
Objective: Theories about how couples help each other to cope with stress, such as the systemic transactional model of dyadic coping, suggest that the cultural context in which couples live influences how their coping behavior affects their relationship satisfaction. In contrast to the theoretical assumptions, a recent meta-analysis provides evidence that neither culture, nor gender, influences the association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction, at least based on their samples of couples living in North America and West Europe. Thus, it is an open questions whether the theoretical assumptions of cultural influences are false or whether cultural influences on couple behavior just occur in cultures outside of the Western world. Method: In order to examine the cultural influence, using a sample of married individuals (N = 7,973) from 35 nations, we used multilevel modeling to test whether the positive association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction varies across nations and whether gender might moderate the association. Results: Results reveal that the association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction varies between nations. In addition, results show that in some nations the association is higher for men and in other nations it is higher for women. Conclusions: Cultural and gender differences across the globe influence how couples’ coping behavior affects relationship outcomes. This crucial finding indicates that couple relationship education programs and interventions need to be culturally adapted, as skill trainings such as dyadic coping lead to differential effects on relationship satisfaction based on the culture in which couples live.
Introduction. Aspects of women’s sexual functioning that have received relatively little attention are its stability and how changes in the different sexual response domains influence each other over time. Aim. The aim of this study was... more
Introduction. Aspects of women’s sexual functioning that have received relatively little attention are its stability and how changes in the different sexual response domains influence each other over time.
Aim. The aim of this study was to describe the changes and to evaluate the stability of self-reported sexual functioning over a 4-year period in a population sample of British women.
Methods. A 4-year follow-up study on N = 507 women, including 178 pre- and 329 postmenopausal women, was conducted. The validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was applied.
Main Outcome Measure. A multigroup path analytical model was used to examine autoregressive effects (the effect of a domain on itself at a later point in time) and cross-lag effects (one variable affecting another variable at a later point in time) across all FSFI domains of sexual functioning between pre- and postmenopausal women.
Results. Overall, the proportion of postmenopausal women suffering from a sexual dysfunction at measurement point 1 (T1) was higher compared with premenopausal women (pre: 34.3% vs. post: 14.5%). However, both groups showed a comparable number of women developing a sexual problem (pre: 22.2% vs. post: 23.2%) or improving their sexual functioning (7.4% vs. 7.6%) after the 4 years. Furthermore, path model analyses revealed that each domain at T1 significantly predicted its level 4 years later (βs ranging from 0.33 for arousal to 0.57 for lubrication), with the exception of sexual satisfaction. In terms of cross-lag effects, the changes in all domains except for pain were predicted either by levels of desire, arousal, or orgasm at T1 (βs ranging from 0.18 to 0.36) in both groups.
Conclusions. Women’s sexual functioning was moderately stable across the 4 years. The main predictors of changes in sexual functioning and satisfaction were desire and arousal, highlighting their role as possible key players in women’s sexual health. Burri A, Hilpert P, and Spector T. Longitudinal evaluation of sexual function in a cohort of pre- and postmenopausal women.
Aim. The aim of this study was to describe the changes and to evaluate the stability of self-reported sexual functioning over a 4-year period in a population sample of British women.
Methods. A 4-year follow-up study on N = 507 women, including 178 pre- and 329 postmenopausal women, was conducted. The validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was applied.
Main Outcome Measure. A multigroup path analytical model was used to examine autoregressive effects (the effect of a domain on itself at a later point in time) and cross-lag effects (one variable affecting another variable at a later point in time) across all FSFI domains of sexual functioning between pre- and postmenopausal women.
Results. Overall, the proportion of postmenopausal women suffering from a sexual dysfunction at measurement point 1 (T1) was higher compared with premenopausal women (pre: 34.3% vs. post: 14.5%). However, both groups showed a comparable number of women developing a sexual problem (pre: 22.2% vs. post: 23.2%) or improving their sexual functioning (7.4% vs. 7.6%) after the 4 years. Furthermore, path model analyses revealed that each domain at T1 significantly predicted its level 4 years later (βs ranging from 0.33 for arousal to 0.57 for lubrication), with the exception of sexual satisfaction. In terms of cross-lag effects, the changes in all domains except for pain were predicted either by levels of desire, arousal, or orgasm at T1 (βs ranging from 0.18 to 0.36) in both groups.
Conclusions. Women’s sexual functioning was moderately stable across the 4 years. The main predictors of changes in sexual functioning and satisfaction were desire and arousal, highlighting their role as possible key players in women’s sexual health. Burri A, Hilpert P, and Spector T. Longitudinal evaluation of sexual function in a cohort of pre- and postmenopausal women.
Research Interests:
Objectives: Psychological resilience has been rarely investigated in elderly populations. We applied a more comprehensive model of trauma-specific coping and resilience, which included Ungar’s context model and included decentral factors... more
Objectives: Psychological resilience has been rarely investigated in elderly populations. We applied a more comprehensive model of trauma-specific coping and resilience, which included Ungar’s context model and included decentral factors of resilience (i.e., environments that provide resources to build resilience).
Method: We assessed resilience in a cohort of former Swiss indentured child laborers (N D 74; 59% males) at two time points; first at the mean age of 80 years and then again 20 months later. At each time point, the following measures of resilience were assessed: resilience indicators of life satisfaction and lack of depression. In addition, resilience predictors of trauma exposure, perceived social support, dysfunctional disclosure of traumatic experiences, social acknowledgment as a victim, and selfefficacy; and decentral resilience factors of education, income, number of children, and physical health were measured.
Results: Using path-analysis, we found that life satisfaction and lack of depression were predicted by dysfunctional disclosure, social support, and self-efficacy at various significance levels. Change scores of resilience were predicted by higher trauma exposure, social acknowledgment as a victim, and an interaction between the two. The model for decentral factors also fitted, with physical health and income predicting the resilience indicators.
Conclusion: Applying this comprehensive resilience model in a sample of older adults revealed meaningful findings in
predicting resilience at a single time point and over time. Atypical coping strategies, such as perceived social acknowledgment
as a victim and disclosure, may be particularly important for former victims who have suffered institutional abuse.
Method: We assessed resilience in a cohort of former Swiss indentured child laborers (N D 74; 59% males) at two time points; first at the mean age of 80 years and then again 20 months later. At each time point, the following measures of resilience were assessed: resilience indicators of life satisfaction and lack of depression. In addition, resilience predictors of trauma exposure, perceived social support, dysfunctional disclosure of traumatic experiences, social acknowledgment as a victim, and selfefficacy; and decentral resilience factors of education, income, number of children, and physical health were measured.
Results: Using path-analysis, we found that life satisfaction and lack of depression were predicted by dysfunctional disclosure, social support, and self-efficacy at various significance levels. Change scores of resilience were predicted by higher trauma exposure, social acknowledgment as a victim, and an interaction between the two. The model for decentral factors also fitted, with physical health and income predicting the resilience indicators.
Conclusion: Applying this comprehensive resilience model in a sample of older adults revealed meaningful findings in
predicting resilience at a single time point and over time. Atypical coping strategies, such as perceived social acknowledgment
as a victim and disclosure, may be particularly important for former victims who have suffered institutional abuse.
Research Interests:
Abstract A majority of individuals living in the U.S. experience unhealthy levels of stress; however, romantic partners can help mitigate stress’ deleterious effects by coping together (dyadic coping). The Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI)... more
Abstract A majority of individuals living in the U.S. experience unhealthy levels of stress; however, romantic partners can help mitigate stress’ deleterious effects by coping together (dyadic coping). The Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) measures coping behaviors when one or both partners experience stress. Specifically, the DCI measures a) partner’s self-report of his/her own (Self) and their partner’s (Partner) behavior, and b) Common DC during the experience of a common stressor. Despite its wide use, the DCI has not yet been validated for use in the United States (U.S.). The aim of this study was to address this gap in the literature. Using a sample of 938 individuals in the U.S. currently involved in a romantic relationship, we validated the English version of the DCI by analyzing its factorial structure and psychometric properties. Results supported the theoretically assumed factorial structure of the DCI. Convergent and discriminant validity, as well as measurement invariance across gender and culture using the original Swiss sample, was confirmed. The English version of the DCI is a valid self-report instrument for assessing couples' coping in the U.S.
This study simultaneously examines everyday negative and positive experiences that affect persons either outside of the intimate relationship (extra-dyadic) or within (intra-dyadic). In addition, we investigate whether the partner’s... more
This study simultaneously examines everyday negative and positive experiences that affect persons either outside of the intimate relationship (extra-dyadic) or within (intra-dyadic). In addition, we investigate whether the partner’s responses to each of these experiences mediate the link between experience and relationship outcomes. Altogether, 447 individuals that were currently in a relationship, filled out an online questionnaire. Self-report measures included extra- and intra-dyadic everyday experiences of negative and positive events as well as corresponding partner responses and relationship satisfaction. Multi-group path analyses revealed that both negative and positive extra-dyadic experiences affect negative and positive intra-dyadic experiences of women, whereas the effects of positive extra-dyadic experiences had mixed effects for men. Furthermore, the perceived partner responses in each of the four experiences were found to be an important predictor with one exception for men’s intra-dyadic positive experiences.
Research Interests:
Couple relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for currently satisfied couples, with a goal of helping couples sustain satisfaction. However, RE also might be useful as a brief, accessible... more
Couple relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for currently satisfied couples, with a goal of helping couples sustain satisfaction. However, RE also might be useful as a brief, accessible intervention for couples with low satisfaction. Two studies were conducted that tested whether couples with low relationship satisfaction show meaningful gains after RE. Study 1 was a three condition randomized controlled trial in which 182 couples were randomly assigned to RELATE with Couple CARE (RCC), a flexible delivery education program for couples, or one of two control conditions. Couples with initially low satisfaction receiving RCC showed a moderate increase in relationship satisfaction (d = 0.50) relative to the control. In contrast, couples initially high in satisfaction showed little change and there was no difference between RCC and the control conditions. Study 2 was an uncontrolled trial of the Couple Coping Enhancement Training (CCET) administered to 119 couples. Couples receiving CCET who had initially low satisfaction showed a moderate increase in satisfaction (g = .44), whereas initially highly satisfied couple showed no change. Brief relationship education can assist somewhat distressed couples to enhance satisfaction, and has potential as a cost effective way of enhancing reach of couple interventions.
Research Interests:
Although personal happiness is highly associated with social relationships, basic questions remain regarding the causal effect of improved social relationships on happiness. The main aim of this study was to test whether emotional and... more
Although personal happiness is highly associated with social relationships, basic questions remain regarding the causal effect of improved social relationships on happiness. The main aim of this study was to test whether emotional and cognitive dimensions of personal happiness can be increased by means of a self-directed relationship enhancement program, which aims to increase relationship-relevant skills such as dyadic coping, communication, and conflict resolution. N = 220 couples were randomly assigned either to an intervention or to a waiting list control group (survey: pre-, post-, 3- and 6-month follow-ups). Multi-group latent change score models reveal that (1) personal happiness can be increased through a couple intervention; (2) change in personal happiness was predicted by an increase in skills and relationship satisfaction through the intervention; (3) the least happy participants benefited most from the intervention. Improving spousal interactions may help people become and stay happier. Participants in this study did not relapse to their set point of personal happiness as could be expected by adaptation theory. Thus, not treating individuals directly, but rather the dynamic system of spousal interactions as a whole, offers a potentially very powerful area for happiness research.
Research Interests:
Although prevention of relationship distress and dissolution has potential to strengthen the well-being of partners and any children they are raising, dissemination of prevention programs can be limited because couples face many barriers... more
Although prevention of relationship distress and dissolution has potential to strengthen the well-being of
partners and any children they are raising, dissemination of prevention programs can be limited because
couples face many barriers to in-person participation. An alternative strategy, providing couples with an
instructional DVD, is tested in the present study, in which 330 Caucasian couples (N 660 participants;
mean age: men 41.4 years, women 40.0 years) were randomly assigned to a DVD group without any
further support, a DVD group with technical telephone coaching, or a wait-list control group. Couples
completed questionnaires at pretest, posttest, and 3 and 6 months after completion of the intervention.
Self-report measures of dyadic coping, communication quality, ineffective arguing, and relationship
satisfaction were used to test whether the intervention groups improved in comparison with the control
group. Women in both intervention groups increased in dyadic coping, reduced conflict behavior, and
were more satisfied with their relationship 6 months after the intervention. Effects for men were mixed.
Participants with poorer skills reported stronger improvement. Intimate relationships can, within limits,
be positively influenced by a self-directed approach. Effective dissemination of principles underlying
successful relationships can be facilitated through the use of emerging low-cost tools and technologies.
partners and any children they are raising, dissemination of prevention programs can be limited because
couples face many barriers to in-person participation. An alternative strategy, providing couples with an
instructional DVD, is tested in the present study, in which 330 Caucasian couples (N 660 participants;
mean age: men 41.4 years, women 40.0 years) were randomly assigned to a DVD group without any
further support, a DVD group with technical telephone coaching, or a wait-list control group. Couples
completed questionnaires at pretest, posttest, and 3 and 6 months after completion of the intervention.
Self-report measures of dyadic coping, communication quality, ineffective arguing, and relationship
satisfaction were used to test whether the intervention groups improved in comparison with the control
group. Women in both intervention groups increased in dyadic coping, reduced conflict behavior, and
were more satisfied with their relationship 6 months after the intervention. Effects for men were mixed.
Participants with poorer skills reported stronger improvement. Intimate relationships can, within limits,
be positively influenced by a self-directed approach. Effective dissemination of principles underlying
successful relationships can be facilitated through the use of emerging low-cost tools and technologies.
Research Interests:
Spousal interactions are key predictors of relationship satisfaction in couples, but it is not yet sufficiently clear as to which aspect of spousal interactions matters most. In this study, three forms of interactions are examined to... more
Spousal interactions are key predictors of relationship satisfaction in couples, but it is not yet sufficiently clear as to which
aspect of spousal interactions matters most. In this study, three forms of interactions are examined to disentangle their
unique associations with relationship satisfaction. Altogether, 1944 married individuals completed questionnaires in a cross–
sectional study. Self-report measures of relationship external stress, negative interactions (NIs), positive interactions (PIs),
dyadic coping (DC), and relationship satisfaction were assessed. A multigroup path analytical mediation model was used to
test whether couple interactions mediate the association between stress and relationship satisfaction. Stress stemming from
outside the relationship is highly associated with an increase in NIs and a decrease in DC. Although all interactions covaried
significantly with relationship satisfaction, DC outperformed PI and NI. Being supported by the partner in times of need (i.e.
after experiencing relationship external stress) seems to be particularly relevant for marital quality.
aspect of spousal interactions matters most. In this study, three forms of interactions are examined to disentangle their
unique associations with relationship satisfaction. Altogether, 1944 married individuals completed questionnaires in a cross–
sectional study. Self-report measures of relationship external stress, negative interactions (NIs), positive interactions (PIs),
dyadic coping (DC), and relationship satisfaction were assessed. A multigroup path analytical mediation model was used to
test whether couple interactions mediate the association between stress and relationship satisfaction. Stress stemming from
outside the relationship is highly associated with an increase in NIs and a decrease in DC. Although all interactions covaried
significantly with relationship satisfaction, DC outperformed PI and NI. Being supported by the partner in times of need (i.e.
after experiencing relationship external stress) seems to be particularly relevant for marital quality.