Women Can Benefit From Sexual and Physical Valuation in the Context of a Romantic Relationship

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea L. Meltzer
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Theoretical Reason ◽  
Relationship Context ◽  
Event Based ◽  
The Relationship

Women are frequently valued for their sexuality and physical appearance, and there is theoretical reason to believe that the effects of such valuation depend on the context. A robust body of research demonstrates that such valuation from male strangers harms women’s self-esteem; the current studies, however, tested whether women experience more positive outcomes when such valuation emerges in the context of their romantic relationships. Study 1 used an event-based diary study to demonstrate that when partners (vs. male strangers) draw attention to women’s sexuality and physical appearance, those women report higher appearance esteem and, subsequently, higher self-esteem. Study 2 used data from two independent, longitudinal studies of newlywed couples to demonstrate that partner sexual and physical valuation has positive implications for women’s self-esteem over time. These findings highlight that sexual and physical valuation is not inherently beneficial or harmful; rather, the implications of such valuation depend on the relationship context.

scholarly journals Machiavellianism and Schadenfreude in Women’s Friendships

2017 ◽  
Vol 121 (5) ◽  
pp. 909-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loren Abell ◽  
Gayle Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Academic Abilities ◽  
The Relationship

The present study investigated the relationship between Machiavellianism, envy, competition, and schadenfreude in women’s same-sex friendships. Women ( N = 133) completed an online questionnaire measuring Machiavellianism, envy, competition, and three author-generated vignettes measuring expressed schadenfreude in relation to a same-sex friend. Women with higher levels of Machiavellianism expressed greater feelings of pleasure in response to their same-sex friend’s misfortunes in a romantic relationship and their physical appearance but not in relation to academic abilities. Envy predicted feelings of schadenfreude in academic and romantic relationships while competition predicted feelings of schadenfreude in all three scenarios. Future research should explore how characteristics of the target and different forms of envy may influence responses to a friend’s misfortune in individuals with higher levels of Machiavellianism.

Valuing Romantic Relationships

2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff MacDonald ◽  
Tara C. Marshall ◽  
Judith Gere ◽  
Atsushi Shimotomai ◽  
July Lies
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Mate Selection ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Additional Constraint ◽  
Reflected Appraisals ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Relationship

Research has suggested that individuals lower in self-esteem restrain from fully valuing romantic relationships because of relatively low confidence in positive regard from their partners (i.e., positive reflected appraisals). MacDonald and Jessica (2006) provided evidence that in Indonesia, where family plays an important role in mate selection, low self-esteem also leads to doubts regarding family approval of the relationship that, in turn, places an additional constraint on fully valuing a romantic relationship. In the current research, Study 1 replicated these findings, showing that the positive relationship between self-esteem and value placed on a romantic relationship was mediated by both reflected appraisals and approval from a partner’s family in Indonesia but only reflected appraisals in Canada. In Study 2, the relationship between self-esteem and relationship value was mediated by reflected appraisals and approval from own, but not partner’s, family in Japan whereas only reflected appraisals played a mediating role in Australia. These data suggest that in cultures involving family in mate selection, placing full value on romantic relationships may be contingent on confidence in both reflected appraisals and family approval of the relationship.

Responses to dissatisfaction in friendships and romantic relationships: An interpersonal script analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1651-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Harasymchuk ◽  
Beverley Fehr
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Close Friend ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Main Hypothesis ◽  
Relationship Context ◽  
Script Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

According to interpersonal script models, people’s responses to relational events are shaped by the reaction they expect from a close other. We analyzed responses to dissatisfaction in close relationships from an interpersonal script perspective. Participants reported on how a close friend or romantic partner would react to their expressions of dissatisfaction (using the exit-voice-loyalty-neglect typology). They were also asked to forecast whether the issue would be resolved (i.e., anticipated outcomes). Our main hypothesis was that people’s expectations for how a close other would respond to dissatisfaction would be dependent on their own self response. Further, we predicted that passive responses would be more common and viewed as less deleterious to a friendship than a romantic relationship. Results indicated that the responses that were expected from close others were contingent on how self responded. Moreover, as predicted, these contingencies followed different tracks depending on the type of relationship. Friends were more likely to expect passive responses to self’s expression of dissatisfaction, especially if self responded with neglect, whereas romantic partners expected more active responses. Furthermore, people anticipated that the issue would be more likely to be resolved if their friend (vs. romantic partner) responded passively and less actively (especially for destructive responses). It was concluded that people hold complex, nuanced interpersonal scripts for dissatisfaction and that these scripts vary, depending on the relationship context.

Exploring the role of the romantic relationship context in weight loss

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-701 ◽  
Author(s):  
René M. Dailey
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Relational Context ◽  
Relationship Context ◽  
Negative Comments ◽  
Mixed Messages ◽  
The Relationship

For individuals losing weight who are cohabiting with their romantic partners, weight loss is pursued within a relational context. To better understand the role of romantic partners, 44 individuals from a Southwestern city in the U.S. who were actively trying to lose weight were interviewed about the current and desired role of their partner in their weight loss. Responses were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed. Themes specifically pertinent to the romantic relationship that facilitated or hindered weight loss were identified. Three major themes emerged, each with subthemes. Factors that facilitated weight loss were having a team effort in pursuing the weight loss goals, partners being accommodating to dietary and schedule changes, and the provision of logistical help (e.g., childcare). Obstacles presented by the interdependent nature of romantic relationships included partners having opposing perspectives on weight loss, partners’ negative comments about themselves, and difficulties in balancing the weight loss goals with the needs of the relationship. Complicating support from partners, some participants gave mixed messages about the desired support from their partners as well as inconsistent reactions to partner support. The findings highlight that theory and intervention programs need to consider the complexity of losing weight in this interdependent, relational context.

Media Exposure and Romantic Relationship Quality: A Slippery Slope?

2014 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 231-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abira Reizer ◽  
Amir Hetsroni
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Viewing Time ◽  
Tv Viewing ◽  
Mood Management ◽  
Control Factors ◽  
The Relationship

This study examines whether media consumption predicted relationship quality among 188 college students who were involved in romantic relationships. The respondents assessed their commitment to the relationship, their satisfaction from the relationship, and their tendency to engage in conflicts within the relationship. Media consumption was measured by assessing the time dedicated to television viewing in general, watching specific genres, Internet use, and news-paper reading. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that total TV viewing time statistically predicted lower commitment to the relationship, while viewing of programming focusing on romantic relationships predicted lower satisfaction and stronger tendency to engage in conflicts. Consumption of media other than television and the control factors did not predict any indicator of relationship quality. The pattern of negative associations between TV viewing and relationship quality is discussed with reference to cultivation theory and mood management theory.

scholarly journals School Climate and Peer Victimization. Involvement, Affiliation and Help Perceived in School Centers as Protective Factors against Violent Behavior in Adolescent Couples

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Ruiz-Narezo ◽  
Rosa Santibáñez Gruber
Keyword(s):  
School Climate ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Vocational Training ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Violent Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adolescent Group ◽  
The Relationship

This article presents the results of a non-experimental, quantitative cross-sectional study conducted on an adolescent group. The sample of adolescents was acquired from high schools and vocational training, where the relationship between the school climate, more specifically, the involvement, affiliation, and perception of help and violence that is both experienced and exercised between partners. The study sample consisted of 433 adolescents aged 12–19 years from four educational centers from a municipality of Greater Bilbao. Since there are analyses that refer specifically to romantic relationships, in those cases, the 67.7% (N = 275) of the sample that claims to have or have had a romantic relationship is considered. Finally, there was evidence to suggest the existence of influence between the school climate and the implication of violence in adolescent couples.

Narcissism as a Consideration When Designing Health and Risk Messages

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin M. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Health Risk Behaviors ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by perceptions of grandiosity, superiority, and the need for attention and admiration. There has been an increase in focus on examining the development of narcissism and how the trait influences a range of social and health behaviors. A key feature of narcissism is that it is characterized by high self-esteem with a simultaneously fragile ego that requires continual monitoring and manipulation. Therefore, much of the behaviors narcissists engage in are linked to the drive to maintain perceptions of superiority and grandiosity. In the area of health and well-being, narcissism has been positively correlated with psychological health, a relationship that may be accounted for by self-esteem. However, there has been less research on the relationship between narcissism and physical health and well-being. There is some evidence that narcissism is linked to a variety of physical appearance-oriented health behaviors (i.e., behaviors that could affect body weight or other aspects of physical appearance, including eating and exercise). Narcissism has also been positively linked to risk-taking behaviors, including use of substances, as well as risks that could significantly impact others, including sexual behaviors and risky driving. The relationship between narcissism and health is therefore complex, with some positive correlates (e.g., physical activity), but also various health risk behaviors. In considering how narcissism might interact with health messages, communicators have to keep in mind that narcissists seem to have some deficits in judgment and decision-making, such as overconfidence and a narrow focus on rewards associated with behaviors. Their behaviors tend to be driven by managing their own ego and by drawing attention and admiration from others to maintain perceptions of superiority and grandiosity. In turn, health communicators may need to rely on creative strategies that tap into these domains of narcissism in order to effectively modify health behaviors among narcissistic individuals. Further research on the influence of narcissism in healthcare seeking and related preventive behaviors would also help to provide a more detailed understanding for how the trait influences health decisions, information that would be useful for both health researchers and practitioners.

Full-Dimensionality of Relating in Romantic Relationships

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 67-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca M. Miron ◽  
Frances H. Rauscher ◽  
Alexandra Reyes ◽  
David Gavel ◽  
Kourtney K. Lechner
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Long Distance Relationships ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
High Orientation ◽  
Practical Implications

We propose that an orientation toward relating to one's romantic partner via multiple sensory channels has beneficial effects for the relationship, especially for long-distance relationships. We used Wicklund's (2004) conceptualisation of full-dimensionality of relating and Brehm's (1999) emotional intensity theory to test the effects of a sensory multidimensional orientation and difficulty of maintaining the romantic relationship on feelings of love and commitment. In Study 1, we tested 55 participants involved in a long-distance romantic relationship and found that a multidimensional orientation fended off the detrimental effects of difficulty of maintaining the relationship: when partners experienced high difficulty, those with a high orientation experienced more positive affect, love, and commitment than those with a low orientation. In Study 2, data from 31 long-distance and 23 geographically-close participants indicated that a high multidimensionality orientation had a greater positive impact in long-distance relationships than in geographically-close relationships. In Study 3, 40 long-distance participants were asked to write about two times when it was either difficult but possible or nearly impossible to maintain their current relationship. Positive affect for the partner, love, and desire to be with the partner in the future were highest for the participants in the possible condition who preferred relating to the partner on multiple sensory channels. Altogether, these studies underline the importance of multidimensional orientation in romantic relationships, especially when intimates perceive maintaining the relationship as being difficult but manageable. Theoretical and practical implications of this new concept of sensory multidimensionality orientation are discussed.

scholarly journals The relationship between cognitive distortions and forgiveness in romantic relationships

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1338
Author(s):  
Gökçen Aydın ◽  
Nasibe Kandemir Özdinç ◽  
Meral Aksu
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Cognitive Distortions ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
State University ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Self Forgiveness ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of the present study was to find out the relationship between cognitive distortions and forgiveness in romantic relationships of college students. The sample of the study was 340 college students who have a romantic relationship at a state university in Turkey. The purposeful sampling method was carried out in this correlational study. In order to collect data, three instruments were utilized: Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale (ICDS), Heartland Forgiveness Scale and Demographic Data Form. The scales were put online to survey.metu.edu.tr and students having a romantic relationship were asked to complete the scale. In the present study, canonical correlation was conducted through SPSS 22 statistical package for data analysis in order to assess the relationship between two sets of variables: “Interpersonal Rejection”, “Unrealistic Relationship Expectation” and “Interpersonal Misperception” are the subscales of interpersonal cognitive distortions on one set and “Forgiveness of Self”, “Forgiveness of Others” and “Forgiveness of Situations” are the subscales of forgiveness on the other set. The study was significant because it might fill the gap in the literature and counseling field in terms of finding the relationship between two sets of variables to give a light to possible predictors in future research studying romantic relationships.

scholarly journals Situation perception mediates the link between narcissism and relationship satisfaction: Evidence from a daily diary study in romantic couples

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Rentzsch ◽  
Larissa Lucia Wieczorek ◽  
Tanja M. Gerlach
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Daily Diary ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Grandiose Narcissism ◽  
Romantic Couples ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Relationship Outcomes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Research has shown that diverging romantic relationship outcomes of grandiose narcissism can be explained by differential associations of agentic and antagonistic aspects of narcissism. In this study, we wanted to further investigate the underlying mechanisms by examining how narcissists perceive daily situations with their partner. In an online diary, 171 couples reported on 1941 daily situations experienced together. Analyses revealed that agentic narcissism was positively and antagonistic narcissism was negatively related to daily relationship satisfaction. These effects were differentially linked through distinct situation perceptions: Agentic narcissism was positively linked with relationship satisfaction through perceiving daily situations as, for example, containing more romance, sexuality and love, while antagonistic narcissism was negatively linked with relationship satisfaction through perceiving, for example, more threat, criticism, and accusation. Results are discussed in light of the NARC model and with respect to person-situation transactions in romantic relationships.

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