scholarly journals Somebody to Lean On: The Moderating Effect of Relationships on Links Between Social Withdrawal and Self-Worth

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon N. Clifford ◽  
Larry J. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
The United States ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Best Friends ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
Negative Links

AbstractPrevious research has discovered different subtypes of social withdrawal based on motivations to approach or avoid social interactions. Each of these motivations are uniquely related to indices of maladjustment during emerging adulthood, including aspects of the self. However, research has yet to investigate whether or not relationship quality moderates these associations. The purpose of this study was to examine whether relationship quality with best friends, romantic partners, mothers, and fathers, respectively, serve as protective factors in the negative links between shyness and avoidance and self-worth. The participants included 519 college students (Mage = 19.87, SD = 1.99, 61% female) from four universities across the United States. Results revealed that relationship quality with both best friends and romantic partners moderated the relation between shyness and self-worth. The differences between parent and peer relationships are discussed.

Cultural Similarities and Differences in Relationship Goals in Intercultural Romantic Couples

2020 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2092907
Author(s):  
Ana Laura Fonseca ◽  
Tony Ye ◽  
Melissa Curran ◽  
Jill Koyama ◽  
Emily A. Butler
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Relationship Functioning ◽  
Interpersonal Processes ◽  
Romantic Couples ◽  
Intercultural Couples ◽  
Perceived Responsiveness ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Using Data

Intercultural romantic relationships and multicultural families have increased in the United States and worldwide. Researchers have found that intercultural couples report high rates of conflict and relationship instability, which may be partly explained by differences between partners in relationship goals (e.g., how much intimacy is desired and how to approach conflict). Using data from 40 intercultural couples (N = 80), we test whether greater similarity in relationship goals between romantic partners is related to greater perceived partner responsiveness and, thereby, greater relationship quality. By means of Bayesian analyses, our results suggest that similarity of relationship goals is associated with both perceived responsiveness and relationship quality, but without evidence of mediation. Our results show that cultural similarities and differences exist in relationship goals in intercultural couples, and they are connected to relationship functioning. This information can be used to assist clinicians in understanding the interpersonal processes that make-up healthy relationship functioning in intercultural couples.

scholarly journals Toddler dysregulated fear predicts continued risk for social anxiety symptoms in early adolescence

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin A. Buss ◽  
Sunghye Cho ◽  
Santiago Morales ◽  
Meghan McDoniel ◽  
Ann Frank Webb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Parental Monitoring ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Child Reports ◽  
Two Samples

Abstract Identifying early risk factors for the development of social anxiety symptoms has important translational implications. Accurately identifying which children are at the highest risk is of critical importance, especially if we can identify risk early in development. We examined continued risk for social anxiety symptoms at the transition to adolescence in a community sample of children (n = 112) that had been observed for high fearfulness at age 2 and tracked for social anxiety symptoms from preschool through age 6. In our previous studies, we found that a pattern of dysregulated fear (DF), characterized by high fear in low threat contexts, predicted social anxiety symptoms at ages 3, 4, 5, and 6 years across two samples. In the current study, we re-evaluated these children at 11–13 years of age by using parent and child reports of social anxiety symptoms, parental monitoring, and peer relationship quality. The scores for DF uniquely predicted adolescents’ social anxiety symptoms beyond the prediction that was made by more proximal measures of behavioral (e.g., kindergarten social withdrawal) and concurrent environmental risk factors (e.g., parental monitoring, peer relationships). Implications for early detection, prevention, and intervention are discussed.

Infant Social Interactions With Multiple Caregivers

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 328-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hillary N. Fouts ◽  
Jaipaul L. Roopnarine ◽  
Michael E. Lamb ◽  
Melanie Evans
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
African American ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
The United States ◽  
European American ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
African American Mothers ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Socioeconomic Variation

Most studies of diverse populations of families within the United States have either focused predominantly on ethnicity or socioeconomic status (SES), and those that have examined both ethnicity and SES have noted difficulties in disentangling the effects of SES and ethnicity. In order to achieve a greater understanding of variation in infant experiences with parental and nonparental caregivers in differing socioeconomic and ethnic contexts, 41 infants from African American and 40 infants from European American families of lower and middle SES were observed for 12 hours each in and around their home environments. Ethnic differences were evident in the infants’ overall experiences with caregivers, maternal availability, affection, caregiving, and stimulation by nonnuclear relatives; SES differences were identified for maternal and paternal holding, maternal carrying, and paternal caregiving. When caregiver availability was taken into account, variations in interactional and care experiences were predominantly predicted by ethnicity. These results underscore the need to study both ethnicity and socioeconomic variation rather than either one alone. Furthermore, the caregiving behaviors of African American mothers and fathers may be misrepresented when multiple SES contexts are not considered.

scholarly journals A Week During COVID-19: Online Social Interactions Predict Greater Connection and More Stress

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Tibbetts ◽  
Adam Esptein-Shuman ◽  
Kostadin Kushlev
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Social Distancing

Who thrives while socially distancing? For this descriptive, exploratory study, we polled a sample of over 500 participants from the United States on April 8, 2020—in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when practicing social distancing was at its peak. Above and beyond other social and nonsocial activities, living and employment arrangements, personality traits, demographics, and other variables, people who spent more time interacting with close others—either in person or online—felt more socially connected. However, only interacting with close others in person, but not online, predicted greater positive affect. In contrast, people who spent more time interacting with weak ties online experienced greater negative affect and more stress. Looking at specific interaction partners, we found that people who interacted with their relatives, romantic partners, and even coworkers/classmates felt more socially connected. Living arrangements mattered little beyond people’s social interactions, except for living with one’s children, which predicted greater stress. Certain social online activities, including playing games with close ties and group/club meetings predicted greater positive affect. Amongst nonsocial activities, active leisure like exercise emerged as a robust predictor of positive affect, whereas passive leisure like watching TV predicted greater negative affect. Even during a historic pandemic and unprecedented conditions of social distancing, then, the factors that predict well-being are much the same as those already established in the literature. Indeed, much like in-person interactions, online social interactions predict greater social connectedness. However, unlike in-person interactions, online interactions simultaneously predict more negative affect and more stress.

scholarly journals Male autistic youth experiences of belonging in integrated physical education

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110186
Author(s):  
Justin A Haegele ◽  
Anthony J Maher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Peer Interactions ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
The United States ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Locker Room

The study examined the subjective experiences of autistic youth regarding the role of peer interactions and relationships in feelings of belonging in integrated physical education classes. The term integrated is used to describe a setting in which all students, regardless of educational needs, are educated in the same physical space. Eight autistic youth (all male, aged 13–18 years) who had received most of their physical education in integrated classes acted as participants. Semi-structured interviews were used to generate qualitative data, which were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. Findings are presented in three themes: (a) bullying can lead to self-harm and self-isolation, (b) peer interactions and relationships in the locker room, and (c) peer relationships are based on shared interests and take time to develop. Even though autistic students were educated in the same spaces as their non-autistic peers, feelings of belonging were largely unavailable to them. Lay abstract Recent years have seen calls to amplify the voices of autistic people in research about their subjective experiences. Despite this, we know little about how autistic youth experience integrated physical education, particularly in the United States. The term integrated is used to describe a setting in which all students, regardless of educational needs, are educated in the same physical space. In this study, we sought to explore the perspectives of autistic youth toward their experiences in integrated physical education, and the roles of social interactions and relationships with peers in those experiences. Findings noted that several factors influenced the ways and extent to which our participants interacted with their peers during physical education. Unfortunately, most of our participants recalled experiencing bullying, and that physical education offered an environment where bullying was most frequent and comparatively unique compared to other contexts throughout the school day. The locker room, a space linked to physical education, was of particular concern because of a lack of teacher presence. Despite the negative views of and experiences in physical education, there was evidence of participants actively pursuing to connect with peers in this context. However, most instances where participants recalled pursuing friendship were not welcomed from others, which stunted their sense of belonging in this space. Given the role that belonging plays in what it means “to be included,” our research supports emerging ideas that even though autistic students were educated in the same physical spaces as their non-autistic peers, feelings of inclusion were largely absent.

scholarly journals Perceived Changes in Sexuality during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adults in the United States

Sexes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-344
Author(s):  
Jessamyn Bowling ◽  
Erika Montanaro ◽  
Sarai Guerrero-Ordonez ◽  
Stuti Joshi ◽  
Diana Gioia
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Sex Drive ◽  
Stress Changes ◽  
Sexual Experimentation

In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased partnered sexual behavior and increased the use of enhancement (e.g., toys). This has been partly attributed to reduced social interactions and stress. However, individuals’ perceptions of changes are missing in research. This study aims to examine how adults perceive changes in their sexuality during the pandemic. We conducted a nationwide survey of US adults from April–June 2020 (N = 326). This qualitative study examines the open-ended responses using thematic analyses. The following themes emerged from the data: (1) changes in the purpose of sex; (2) changes in sexual identity; (3) decreases in sex drive and desire; (4) increases in sex drive and desire; (5) fluctuations in sex drive and desire; (6) increased sexual experimentation and reflection. The stress, changes in home responsibilities and living situations, and time spent with partners (more or less) has affected individuals by increasing or decreasing their sex drive and desire. Participants responded to changes with self-reflection and awareness, and incorporating new practices (e.g., technology, kink). The purpose of sex has shifted in order to gain intimacy or connect, or to pass time. These changes were perceived as both positive and negative, and more research is needed to determine the durability of these changes.

scholarly journals Cultural Influences on the Regulation of Energy Intake and Obesity: A Qualitative Study Comparing Food Customs and Attitudes to Eating in Adults from France and the United States

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Maria Carlota Dao ◽  
Sophie Thiron ◽  
Ellen Messer ◽  
Camille Sergeant ◽  
Anne Sévigné ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
The United States ◽  
Food Culture ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
The U.S

(1) Background: The influence of food culture on eating behavior and obesity risk is poorly understood. (2) Methods: In this qualitative study, 25 adults in France with or without overweight/obesity participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 10) or focus groups (n = 15) to examine attitudes to food consumption and external pressures that influence eating behavior and weight management. Results were compared to an equivalent study conducted in the United States, thereby contrasting two countries with markedly different rates of obesity. Emerging key themes in the French data were identified through coding using a reflexive approach. (3) Results: The main themes identified were: (1) influence of commensality, social interactions, and pleasure from eating on eating behavior, (2) having a balanced and holistic approach to nutrition, (3) the role of environmental concerns in food consumption, (4) relationship with “natural” products (idealized) and food processing (demonized), (5) perceptions of weight status and management. Stress and difficulties in hunger cue discernment were viewed as important obstacles to weight management in both countries. External pressures were described as a major factor that explicitly influences food consumption in the U.S., while there was an implicit influence of external pressures through eating-related social interactions in France. In France, products considered “natural” where idealized and juxtaposed against processed and “industrial” products, whereas this was not a salient aspect in the U.S. (4) Conclusions: This first comparative qualitative study assessing aspects of food culture and eating behaviors across countries identifies both common and divergent attitudes to food and eating behavior. Further studies are needed to inform the development of effective behavioral interventions to address obesity in different populations.

Romantic partners’ weight criticism and Latina/o/x young adults’ relationship instability

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110354
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Killoren ◽  
J. Kale Monk ◽  
Avelina Rivero ◽  
Dawson Quinn ◽  
Gabrielle C. Kline
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Relationship Outcomes ◽  
Relationship Instability ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality

Negative interactions between romantic partners, such as when one partner criticizes another about their weight, are associated with poor relationship outcomes. The purpose of the study was to examine associations between romantic partner weight criticism, romantic relationship quality, gender, and Latinx young adults’ romantic relationship instability. Participants were recruited from a Qualtrics panel and completed 30-minute surveys online. The sample included 475 Latinx young adults (60% women; M age = 24.80 years, SD = 3.22; 66% Mexican) who reported on their experiences of romantic partner weight criticism, positive romantic relationship quality (e.g., intimacy, affection, nurturance), negative romantic relationship quality (e.g., conflict, antagonism), and relationship instability. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to test the study goals. Overall, weight-related criticism was more strongly associated with romantic relationship instability for men than for women. Further, for men, associations between weight criticism and romantic relationship instability were also particularly strong in the context of low levels of negative romantic relationship quality compared to high levels of negative romantic relationship quality.

Pushed Together or Pulled Apart? Economic Stressors and Romantic Relationship Quality

2020 ◽  
pp. 073112142097844
Author(s):  
Amy Lucas ◽  
Jessica Halliday Hardie ◽  
Sejung Sage Yim
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Material Hardship ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Process Perspective ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Economic Stressors

Previous research indicates that romantic partners’ relationship quality is associated with poverty and material hardship. Few studies have used longitudinal data to incorporate changing economic circumstances over time, included a range of economic factors, or investigated the role of social support in this association, however. Using five waves of data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we extend prior work by evaluating the association between multiple economic stressors and romantic relationship quality over time, and whether social support explains or alters this association. Changes in economic stressors are associated with changes in romantic relationship quality over time, particularly nonstandard work and material hardship. Social support neither explains nor moderates this association in most cases. This study confirms the stress process perspective, showing how economic and work-related stress can proliferate into family life, but does not support the contention that social support buffers families against stress proliferation.

scholarly journals The Vicissitudes of Conflict Measurement

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Burk ◽  
Jaap Denissen ◽  
Muriel D. Van Doorn ◽  
Susan J.T. Branje ◽  
Brett Laursen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Temporal Stability ◽  
The United States ◽  
Short Intervals ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Best Friends ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Conflict Frequency

This report examined the stability and reliability of self-reported conflict frequency in relationships with mothers, fathers, and best friends. Participants were drawn from three independent samples in the Netherlands (n = 72, M = 15.6 years), Germany (n = 242, M = 19.7 years), and the United States (n = 250, M = 19.8 years). Participants completed both topic-based surveys and interaction-based diary assessments of conflict frequency. Within samples, comparable levels of internal consistency and temporal stability emerged in each relationship for both assessment techniques. Topic-based and interaction-based assessments of conflict frequency were moderately correlated in each relationship within samples. Daily topic-based assessments with short intervals between time points may provide the most advantageous assessment strategy for obtaining reliable measures of conflict frequency in adolescents’ close relationships.

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