Unexpected Gender Moderation of Marital Satisfaction–Health Associations in Long-Distance Relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve N. Du Bois ◽  
Wren Yoder ◽  
Stephen D. Ramos ◽  
Karolina Grotkowski ◽  
Tamara Goldman Sher
Keyword(s):  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Gender Moderation ◽  
Long Distance Relationships ◽  
N 93 ◽  
Study Participants

High marital satisfaction is associated with better individual health and health behavior. Gender moderates these associations; generally, they are stronger for women than for men. Theories such as subordination-reactivity attempt to explain marital satisfaction–health associations by gender. Extant research exploring this phenomenon focuses on individuals in proximal relationships, not those in long-distance relationships (LDR). LDR are prevalent, particularly among students, military personnel, and caregivers. They are also increasing both in number and cultural relevance. Current study participants ( N = 93) were ages 21+, married for 6+ months, and LDR, defined as living more than 50 miles apart and not able to see each other daily. Participants completed an online survey of relationship and health measures. We tested gender as a moderator of marital satisfaction–health associations. Unexpectedly, higher marital satisfaction related to better health for men more than for women on several health variables. Specifically, higher marital satisfaction related to significantly less drug use and less pain interference, and marginally better overall health, for men more than for women. No other marital satisfaction–health associations emerged. These results suggest marital satisfaction may be more important to health for LDR men than women, and in some cases, marital satisfaction may not relate to health for LDR individuals. Future research can explore these unique satisfaction–health associations in LDR. Therapeutic interventions for individuals and couples in LDR can consider these findings.

Marital Satisfaction Is Associated With Health in Long-Distance Relationships

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-186
Author(s):  
Wren Yoder ◽  
Steve N. Du Bois
Keyword(s):  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Married Individuals ◽  
Long Distance Relationships ◽  
Relationship Health

Individuals with high marital satisfaction tend to have better health and engage in healthier behaviors than those with low marital satisfaction. Multiple studies have explored satisfaction–health associations for married individuals in proximal relationships (PR), but no known study has tested these associations for married individuals in long-distance relationships (LDR). LDR is a relationship arrangement that challenges traditional conceptions of romantic relationships and physical closeness. Related, recent empirical work indicates marital satisfaction–health associations may be weaker in LDR than PR due to unique relational and individual factors. The current study tested whether marital satisfaction–health associations are moderated by relational proximity (i.e., LDR vs. PR). We used an adult, married sample of individuals in LDR and PR ( N = 293) who completed an online survey on relationships and health. Unexpectedly, moderation results suggested that associations between marital satisfaction and health did not differ by relational proximity. One potential difference emerged: Marital satisfaction was associated with social role satisfaction for those in PR, but not LDR. Simple main effects were consistent with moderation results, except regarding physical functioning. Marital satisfaction was not associated with pain for LDR or PR. Overall, study findings challenge recent empirical work reporting between-group, relationship health differences between PR and LDR. Clinicians can utilize our findings to improve treatment for couples and families in LDR. Future research should utilize actor–partner interdependence models and longitudinal studies to further elucidate the associations between marital satisfaction and health for individuals in this unique but increasingly prevalent relationship arrangement.

Defying Tradition

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena Anand ◽  
Steve N. Du Bois ◽  
Tamara G. Sher ◽  
Karolina Grotkowski
Keyword(s):  
Gender Role ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Measurement Information ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Gender Role Socialization ◽  
Health Indices ◽  
Role Socialization ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
N 93 ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

The marriage–health association has been investigated extensively among proximal couples (i.e., those living geographically near each other). On average, married men trend toward better health and relationship outcomes from their marital status compared to married women. This may be attributed to gender role socialization that encourages women to adopt a caretaking role toward their partners. Current literature has not addressed whether there are differential relationship or health outcomes by gender within long-distance relationship (LDR). The present study investigated LDR relationship and health indices by gender. Using Qualtrics and Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, married LDR participants ( n = 93, 21 years or older, English speakers) completed an online survey. Relationship measures assessed satisfaction, maintenance, stress, and sex. Health variables included the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29, Perceived Stress Scale, and surveys examining substance use, diet, and exercise. t Tests were used to measure group differences by gender. Women in LDR reported few relationship and health benefits relative to men in LDR. Men reported higher levels of relational distress and increased smoking, yet better physical functioning. Men also trended toward higher levels of relational maintenance and healthier eating as a function of partner presence. This study provides counterevidence for the gender role socialization model within the LDR framework.

scholarly journals Long-distance Texting: Text Messaging Predicts Relationship Satisfaction in Long-distance Relationships

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Holtzman ◽  
Kostadin Kushlev ◽  
Alisha Wozny ◽  
REBECCA GODARD
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Remote Communication ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Romantic Couples ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Long Distance Relationships ◽  
Voice Calls

Thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, romantic couples can connect with their partners from virtually anywhere, at any time. Remote communication may be particularly important to long-distance relationships (LDRs), compared to geographically close relationships (GCRs). The goals of the current research were to examine differences between LDRs and GCRs in (1) the patterns of remote communication (video calls, voice calls, and texting), and (2) how frequency and responsiveness of remote communication are related to relationship satisfaction. Data were drawn from an online survey of emerging adults (n = 647) who were in a relationship or dating someone (36.5% were in an LDR). Participants in LDRs engaged in more frequent video calling, voice calling, and texting, compared to those in GCRs. LDR participants also perceived their partners to be more responsive during video and voice calls, compared to GCR participants. More frequent and responsive texting predicted significantly greater relationship satisfaction among participants in LDRs, but not GCRs. Meanwhile, frequency of voice calls was associated with greater relationship satisfaction in GCRs, but not in LDRs. The use of video calls was not related to relationship satisfaction in either group. Overall, study findings add to a sparse literature on remote communication in romantic couples and suggest a uniquely positive role of texting within LDRs. Further research is needed to examine the ways in which LDR and GCR couples can best capitalize on different forms of remote technology to maintain their relationships during periods of separation.

Out-of-pocket spending (OOPS) and financial toxicity survey for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 632-632
Author(s):  
Aman Chauhan ◽  
Rohitashva Agrawal ◽  
Rebecca Edwins ◽  
Maryann Wahmann ◽  
Bob Wahmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Somatostatin Analogues ◽  
Insurance Premium ◽  
Median Income ◽  
Financial Toxicity ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Patient Support Group ◽  
Study Participants

632 Background: Incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are on the rise. However, with the increasing burden of the disease, there is a need to understand financial toxicity associated with NET management. Especially the out of pocket spending or expenses made by patients and family members, which affects the management and treatment adherence. We report results of our prospective online survey based study looking into determinants and the burden of financial toxicity in NET patients. Methods: We collaborated with NCAN (Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network) a national NET patient support group for our prospective online questionnaire-based survey. After IRB approval, NCAN disseminated online link to the survey on their webpage. The survey had twenty-one questions with the goal of at least 200 complete responses. Results: We received 215 responses before we decided to stop the survey for analysis. The average age of the respondents was 58.4 years. 75% of respondents were females with most repsondents of the survey (37%) being graduates. About 41% of respondents had small bowel NET while 27% had pancreas NET as their NET diagnosis. The median income of the respondents was $65000/year. Median oncology visits were reported to be 4 per year. Median co-pay for the NET specialist visit was found to be $30. The median spending on travel for the physician`s appointment was $250 per visit to see NET specialists. Median monthly insurance premium was $300. Study participants reported spending $75 out of pocket on NET related care every month on top of insurance premiums. More than half of the respondents were on Somatostatin analogues only as their main treatment. About 21% mentioned that they were not able to get required treatment due to cost related issues. Conclusions: The preliminary analysis of the survey gave us an insight into financial toxicity related to NET management. Although most NETs are indolent, the chronic nature of disease and associated, symptom management is often time and resource-intensive. Many patients mentioned having issues with the coverage of insurance and having to travel a long distance to see a NET specialist, which demonstrate a lack of access to NET specialists.

scholarly journals Long-distance texting: Text messaging is linked with higher relationship satisfaction in long-distance relationships

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110432
Author(s):  
Susan Holtzman ◽  
Kostadin Kushlev ◽  
Alisha Wozny ◽  
Rebecca Godard
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Remote Communication ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Romantic Couples ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Long Distance Relationships ◽  
Voice Calls

Due to the widespread use of smartphones, romantic couples can connect with their partners from virtually anywhere, at any time. Remote communication may be particularly important to long-distance relationships (LDRs), compared to geographically close relationships (GCRs). The goals of the current research were to examine differences between LDRs and GCRs in (1) the patterns of remote communication (video calls, voice calls, and texting), and (2) how frequency and responsiveness of remote communication are related to relationship satisfaction. Data were drawn from an online survey of emerging adults ( n = 647) who were in a relationship or dating someone (36.5% were in an LDR). Participants in LDRs engaged in more frequent video calling, voice calling and texting, compared to those in GCRs. Long-distance relationship participants also perceived their partners to be more responsive during video and voice calls, compared to GCR participants. More frequent and responsive texting predicted significantly greater relationship satisfaction among participants in LDRs, but not GCRs. Meanwhile, frequency of voice calls was associated with greater relationship satisfaction in GCRs, but not in LDRs. The use of video calls was not significantly related to relationship satisfaction in either group. Overall, study findings add to a growing literature on remote communication in romantic couples and suggest a uniquely positive role of texting within LDRs. Further research is needed to examine the ways in which LDR and GCR couples can best capitalize on different forms of remote technology to maintain their relationships during periods of separation.

Informational Videos About Alcohol Use: Feasibility and Acceptability

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
Jenna Brager ◽  
Tamar Rodney ◽  
Deborah Finnell
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
On Line ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Risk Knowledge ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Decrease Use

Background: An estimated 15.1 million adults ages 18 years and older are classified with an alcohol use disorder, which includes 9.8 million men and 5.3 million women. A brief intervention is indicated for those identified to be at risk because of alcohol use. Objective: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of informational videos about alcohol use. Design: This feasibility study provided participants with the opportunity to choose one of two videos, Alcohol and the Brain or Rethinking Drinking. An online survey was administered to all study participants to identify alcohol-related risk, readiness to decrease use, and knowledge pertaining to alcohol use. Results: The two videos provided in this study were feasibly delivered in an on-line format to 129 adults, including 115 males and 5 females identified to be at risk. Knowledge scores increased only slightly. There were mixed results for the readiness scores. Conclusions: Future research should examine the efficacy of these two alcohol brief interventions on alcohol-related outcomes.

Examining Relationship-Level Predictors of Individual-Level Health in Long Distance Relationships

2021 ◽  
pp. 106648072110541
Author(s):  
Steve N. Du Bois ◽  
Honor Woodward ◽  
Kelly Manser ◽  
Seema Saigal ◽  
Frane Santic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Relationship Maintenance ◽  
Postsecondary Students ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
Relationship Stress ◽  
Long Distance Relationships

Long distance relationships (LDR) are increasingly common, particularly among postsecondary students. The geographic separation inherent in LDR, and related relationship factors, may have implications for the health of individuals in LDR. However, little current work examines these potential associations. The current study examined associations between relationship-level predictors (satisfaction, stress, maintenance) and individual-level health (e.g., anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, fatigue) and health behaviors (e.g., alcohol and cigarette use, sex) in LDR. Participants ( N  =  100) were postsecondary students and romantic partners of postsecondary students, recruited from October 2018–June 2019, who completed an online survey on relationships and health. Here, we report sample characteristics; correlations between key study variables; and, results of stepwise hierarchical regressions testing whether relationship-level variables predicted individual-level health. Results indicated that relationship satisfaction and relationship stress predicted self-reported health in multiple domains, in the expected directions; but, neither relationship satisfaction nor relationship stress predicted health behaviors. Relationship maintenance predicted neither self-reported health nor health behaviors. Overall, some, but not all, relationship-level variables influenced some, but not all, individual-level health variables among postsecondary students and partners of postsecondary students in LDR. Future work can clarify relationship-level predictors of individual-level health behaviors in postsecondary students, among whom LDR are prevalent.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Comfort Level With Use of Term “Stuttering” During Evaluations

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 841-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney T. Byrd ◽  
Danielle Werle ◽  
Kenneth O. St. Louis
Keyword(s):  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Academic Experiences ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Comfort Levels ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Evaluation Feedback ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) anecdotally report concern that their interactions with a child who stutters, including even the use of the term “stuttering,” might contribute to negative affective, behavioral, and cognitive consequences. This study investigated SLPs' comfort in providing a diagnosis of “stuttering” to children's parents/caregivers, as compared to other commonly diagnosed developmental communication disorders. Method One hundred forty-one school-based SLPs participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two vignettes detailing an evaluation feedback session. Then, participants rated their level of comfort disclosing diagnostic terms to parents/caregivers. Participants provided rationale for their ratings and answered various questions regarding academic and clinical experiences to identify factors that may have influenced ratings. Results SLPs were significantly less likely to feel comfortable using the term “stuttering” compared to other communication disorders. Thematic responses revealed increased experience with a specific speech-language population was related to higher comfort levels with using its diagnostic term. Additionally, knowing a person who stutters predicted greater comfort levels as compared to other clinical and academic experiences. Conclusions SLPs were significantly less comfortable relaying the diagnosis “stuttering” to families compared to other speech-language diagnoses. Given the potential deleterious effects of avoidance of this term for both parents and children who stutter, future research should explore whether increased exposure to persons who stutter of all ages systematically improves comfort level with the use of this term.

Current Postvention Research and Priorities for the Future

Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Andriessen ◽  
Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart ◽  
Julie Cerel ◽  
Myfanwy Maple
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Intercultural Collaboration ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Future ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Ethical Approval

Abstract. Background: Suicide can have a lasting impact on the social life as well as the physical and mental health of the bereaved. Targeted research is needed to better understand the nature of suicide bereavement and the effectiveness of support. Aims: To take stock of ongoing studies, and to inquire about future research priorities regarding suicide bereavement and postvention. Method: In March 2015, an online survey was widely disseminated in the suicidology community. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 77 times, and 22 records were included in the analysis. The respondents provided valuable information regarding current research projects and recommendations for the future. Limitations: Bearing in mind the modest number of replies, all from respondents in Westernized countries, it is not known how representative the findings are. Conclusion: The survey generated three strategies for future postvention research: increase intercultural collaboration, increase theory-driven research, and build bonds between research and practice. Future surveys should include experiences with obtaining research grants and ethical approval for postvention studies.

Feeling Threatened by Immigrants: The Role of Ideology and Subjective Societal Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bollwerk ◽  
Bernd Schlipphak ◽  
Joscha Stecker ◽  
Jens Hellmann ◽  
Gerald Echterhoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Social Dominance Orientation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Right Wing Authoritarianism ◽  
Threat Perceptions ◽  
Contextual Determinants ◽  
Intergroup Conflicts ◽  
And Gender

Threat perceptions towards immigrants continue to gain importance in the context of growing international migration. To reduce associated intergroup conflicts, it is crucial to understand the personal and contextual determinants of perceived threat. In a large online survey study (N = 1,184), we investigated the effects of ideology (i.e., Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation), subjective societal status (SSS) and their interaction effects in predicting symbolic and realistic threat perceptions towards Middle Eastern immigrants. Results showed that ideology (higher RWA and SDO) and lower SSS significantly predicted both symbolic and realistic threat, even after controlling for income, education, age, and gender. Furthermore, ideology and SSS interacted significantly in predicting realistic threat, with higher levels of SDO and RWA enhancing the effect of SSS. In the discussion, we focus on the implications of our findings with respect to understanding societal conflicts, discuss methodological limitations, and provide directions for future research.

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