Mental Health across Motherhood Status: An Examination of Mediating Factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1083-1111
Author(s):  
Kayla M. Pritchard ◽  
Christina D. Falci
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Economic Hardship ◽  
Biological Mothers ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality ◽  
Lower Life Satisfaction

Motherhood represents a valued status in American culture especially for biological mothers within stable first-marriages. Focusing on partnered women, this study examined how and why mental health differed across three motherhood statuses: biological-only, step-only, and double mothers (i.e., both biological and step). Using data from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers (NSFB), we found lower life satisfaction among step-only and double mothers compared to biological-only mothers. More economic hardship, lower quality romantic relationships, and higher rates of cohabitation fully explained the differences between biological-only and double mothers in life satisfaction. Differences between biological-only and step-only mothers are partially explained by self-esteem and cohabitation. Double mothers also reported higher psychological distress than biological-only mothers. This difference is partially explained by lower romantic relationship quality and more economic hardship among double mothers. We found no differences in psychological distress between step-only and biological-only mothers.

scholarly journals Marriage and Mental Health among Young Adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy E. Uecker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Early Marriage ◽  
National Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
The Life Course

Marriage is widely thought to confer mental health benefits, but little is known about how this apparent benefit may vary across the life course. Early marriage, which is nonnormative, could have no, or even negative, mental health consequences for young adults. Using survey data from waves 1 and 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( n = 11,695), I find that married young adults exhibit levels of psychological distress that are similar to those of young adults in any kind of romantic relationship. Married and engaged young adults also report lower frequency of drunkenness than those who are not in a romantic relationship. Married young adults, especially those who first married at ages 22 to 26, report higher life satisfaction than those in other type of romantic relationships,those in no romantic relationship, and those who married prior to age 22. Explanations for these findings are examined, and their implications are discussed.

Skin tone, life satisfaction, and psychological distress among African Americans: The mediating effect of stigma consciousness

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532095425
Author(s):  
Asia T McCleary-Gaddy ◽  
Drexler James
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
African American ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Skin Tone ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Stigma Consciousness ◽  
African American Adults ◽  
Lower Life Satisfaction

This study examined the indirect effect of skin tone on psychological distress via (1) stigma consciousness and (2) life satisfaction among African American adults (N = 780; %Female = 57.65%; Mage = 37.68). Results show indirect effects of (1) skin tone on life satisfaction and (2) skin tone on psychological distress, each via stigma consciousness. Specifically, those with darker (vs. lighter) skin tones reported increased stigma consciousness, which then predicted (1) lower life satisfaction and (2) lower levels of psychological distress. Life satisfaction did not predict psychological distress. Implications for African American mental health are discussed.

Empathy and Romantic Relationship Quality Among Cohabitating Couples

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilio C. Ulloa ◽  
Julia F. Hammett ◽  
Nicole A. Meda ◽  
Salvador J. Rubalcaba
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Dyadic Data Analysis ◽  
Dyadic Data ◽  
National Longitudinal Study ◽  
Partner Effect ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality

This study employed a dyadic data analysis approach to examine the association between partners’ empathy and relationship quality among cohabitating couples. Data were collected from 374 cohabitating but nonmarried couples who were participants in the Wave 3 romantic pairs subsample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Men’s higher empathy was related to their own perceptions of better relationship quality and women’s higher empathy was related to their own as well as their partner’s perceptions of better relationship quality. These findings show that individuals’ abilities to be understanding, compassionate, and sympathetic may be related to the overall feeling of satisfaction and love in romantic relationships. The only effect that did not reach statistical significance was the partner effect from men’s empathy to women’s relationship quality. Although previous research with married couples has shown that men’s empathy may play a more important role in shaping couples’ perceptions of relationship quality, according to the current findings, these findings may not extend to cohabitating couples. The current results provide beneficial guidance to clinicians working with distressed, nonmarried couples.

scholarly journals Feeling the Absence of Touch: Distancing, Distress, Regulation, and Relationships in the Context of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110526
Author(s):  
Mary H Burleson ◽  
Nicole A Roberts ◽  
Aubrie A Munson ◽  
Cayla J Duncan ◽  
Ashley K Randall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Positive Behaviors ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing guidelines were implemented to reduce viral spread, altering typical social interactions and reducing the amount of physical contact and affectionate touch many individuals experienced. The pandemic also caused psychological distress, perhaps in part related to reductions in affectionate touch with close others. We theorized that this would be particularly problematic for individuals reliant on affectionate touch to help regulate their emotions. Using online survey data collected nationwide from married or romantically partnered adults ( N = 585), we examined how physical distancing (moderated by cohabiting with spouse/partner) and affectionate touch with close others (moderated by individual differences in typical use and efficacy of touch for affect regulation [TAR]) related to individual psychological distress and romantic relationship quality. As hypothesized, more physical distancing was associated with less affectionate touch among non-cohabiters, but surprisingly with more touch among cohabiters. Also as hypothesized, participants higher in TAR and experiencing less affectionate touch reported more psychological distress than those similarly high in TAR and experiencing more affectionate touch, or than those lower in TAR. Unexpectedly, more physical distancing was associated directly with lower psychological distress and better relationship quality. Better relationship quality was linked directly to more affectionate touch and greater endorsement of TAR. Thus, for those cohabiting in satisfying romantic relationships, physical distancing may facilitate relationship-positive behaviors. Further, individual differences in TAR may influence the potency of touch effects on mood and stress.

Romantic Relationships, Online Dating, and Mental Health Issues

2021 ◽  
pp. 94-102
Author(s):  
Tejaswini Bhave
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Online Dating ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Potential Partner

This chapter attempts to present the overview of mental health issues associated with online dating and online romantic relationships with relevant research background. It briefly cautions about the possible risks involved in the world of online dating platforms and later delves into mental health concerns that can emerge out of experiences while selecting a potential partner online, developing a romantic relationship, and being involved in a romantic relationship online. It also discusses safety measures that need to be taken before and while being active on such online dating sites. The chapter draws attention to the specific role of mental health professionals that is needed while dealing with victims of online scams and abuse.

Romantic relationships in adults with ADHD: The effect of partner attachment style on relationship quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-64
Author(s):  
Katherine Knies ◽  
Elizabeth A. Bodalski ◽  
Kate Flory
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Insecure Attachment ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality

Prior literature indicates that insecure attachment styles (i.e., anxious or avoidant) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) both have negative impacts on romantic relationships, but relatively little is known about how these factors interact among couples where one partner has ADHD and the other does not. One hundred and fifty-nine partners of adults with significant ADHD symptoms completed measures of their own attachment styles, their partner’s ADHD symptoms, and relationship quality. Anxious attachment was associated with lower romantic relationship quality, but avoidant attachment was associated with more positive relationship outcomes. Results also indicated that the negative effect of ADHD symptoms on romantic relationship quality may be exacerbated by a partner’s high level of anxious attachment. Though insecure attachment styles are generally thought to have a negative impact on romantic relationships, avoidant attachment was generally associated with more positive outcomes in this study. Several possible explanations based on theoretical support are included in the discussion along with clinical applications and future directions.

The Highs and Lows of Love: Romantic Relationship Quality Moderates Whether Spending Time With One’s Partner Predicts Gains or Losses in Well-Being

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 572-589
Author(s):  
Nathan W. Hudson ◽  
Richard E. Lucas ◽  
M. Brent Donnellan
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Relationship Status ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality ◽  
Daily Time ◽  
Quality Relationships

Previous research suggests both relationship status and relationship quality correlate with well-being. The present study extended these findings in three ways. First, we benchmarked individuals with various-quality relationships against uncoupled people to determine whether even low-quality relationships are associated with greater well-being than being unpartnered. Second, research suggests global well-being (e.g., life satisfaction) and experiential well-being (e.g., momentary affect) oftentimes have different predictors. Thus, we tested whether individuals report greater experiential well-being while with their partners. Finally, we examined whether daily time invested into one’s relationship predicted well-being. Results indicated that being in a romantic relationship, interacting with one’s partner, and investing greater time into the relationship all predicted greater well-being. However, these effects were moderated by relationship quality, such that being in even relatively neutral relationships and interacting therein were associated with lower well-being than being unpartnered.

scholarly journals Exploring the Contributions of School Belonging to Complete Mental Health Screening

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Moffa ◽  
Erin Dowdy ◽  
Michael J. Furlong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
School Belonging ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Global Life Satisfaction ◽  
Complete Mental Health

Considering the many positive outcomes associated with adolescents’ sense of school belonging, including psychological functioning, it is possible that including an assessment of school belonging within a complete mental health screening process could contribute to the prediction of students’ future mental health status. This exploratory study used complete mental health screening data obtained from a central California high school (N= 1,159). At Time 1 (T1) schoolwide screening was used to identify complete mental health groups by applying a dual-factor strategy and concurrently measuring students’ school belonging. One year later at Time 2 (T2), social-emotional wellbeing and internal distress were assessed. Cross-sectional T1 results indicated that there were significant differences in school belonging between students who reported low global life satisfaction and those who reported average or high global life satisfaction, regardless of reported level of psychological distress. A comparison of T1 to T2 data revealed that global life satisfaction and psychological distress were predictive of wellbeing and internal distress. However, contrary to study expectations, school belonging at T1 added little to the prediction of T2 psychological distress beyond the information already provided by the T1 dual-factor screening framework. Implications for practice and future directions are discussed.

How Much Does Love Really Hurt? A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Romantic Relationship Quality, Breakups and Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca Mirsu-Paun ◽  
Jason A. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality

A meta-analysis of 20 manuscripts reporting on 21 unique studies (N = 19,623) was conducted to investigate the magnitude of the association between adolescent romantic relationship quality (RRQ), romantic relationship breakups (RRB) and mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, suicide ideation, deliberate self-harm, and suicide attempt). Potential moderators of these relationships were also explored. The sample included U.S. and non-U.S. adolescents (13–17 years old), and young adults (18–29 years old). Results indicated statistically significant but modest relationships between both RRQ and RRB and mental health, with the first showing a stronger association. There was some evidence suggesting this relationship may be stronger for women, but no evidence it differed as a function of nationality or age. Additional research is needed to address the distinction between clinical and non-clinical populations on specific outcomes and to further explore the role of mental health outcomes as related to romantic relationship quality and breakups. Implications for practice include the need for (a) services to individuals emotionally affected by romantic relationships, (b) relationship quality psycho-education, and (c) screenings of individuals at risk due to low romantic relationship quality or recent relationship breakup.

scholarly journals Personal And Work-Related Correlates Of Mental Health In Slovak Women In Higher Education

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Krawczyk ◽  
Jon Kalinowski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Role Conflict ◽  
Women In Higher Education ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Mental Health Symptomatology

Two samples of Slovak women in higher education were surveyed in order to determine the extent to which the personal attributes of locus of control and life satisfaction and work-related attributes of role conflict and ambiguity are related to mental health symptomatology. The personal attribute of external locus of control correlated positively with symptoms of psychological distress. Life satisfaction correlated negatively with mental health. Role conflict and ambiguity each correlated positively with all symptoms of psychological distress. Moderating effects of locus of control and life satisfaction were not found. Results are discussed in relation to findings from similar surveys of U.S. women in higher education and with respect to changes in higher education in post-communist Central and Eastern European countries.

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