Recognising Non-Conjugal Relationships in New Zealand: Should We Extend the Rights and Responsibilities of Marriage and Marriage-Like Relationships to Other Caring Relationships?

<p>This thesis considers whether the legal recognition of non-conjugal relationships in New Zealand should be improved; particularly by extending them the rights and responsibilities of marital and marriage-like (conjugal) relationships. For the purpose of this thesis, “non-conjugal” relationships are close, caring platonic relationships where people share their lives to a significant degree. Over the last decade, there has been a trend toward extending the legal consequences of marriage to non-conjugal relationships in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States. At the same time, the distinction between conjugal and non-conjugal relationships has been destabilised, due to the de-emphasis of sexual intimacy as a criterion for recognising marriage-like relationships. This thesis considers whether the marriage model should be extended to include certain non-conjugal relationships in New Zealand, as it has been overseas. It is clear that non-conjugal relationships can exhibit many of the features associated with conjugal relationships, as demonstrated by the high profile Burden sisters' case in the United Kingdom. These include characteristics such as long-term cohabitation, caring, commitment and interdependency. However, non-conjugal relationships typically exhibit these features to a lesser degree, which means that they may have different needs and require different support from the state. Ultimately, this thesis recommends against extending the marriage model to non-conjugal relationships for a number of reasons, including that the marriage model does not appear to respond adequately to the needs or living arrangements of people in non-conjugal relationships. However, this thesis also suggests that non-conjugal relationships in New Zealand can benefit from legal recognition in some cases. Aside from human rights considerations, the state has an interest in promoting these relationships due to their contribution to social cohesion and informal caregiving. As such, this thesis recommends a new framework for recognising personal relationships that also allows for nonconjugal relationships in New Zealand to be supported and promoted by the law, where appropriate.</p>

Recognising Non-Conjugal Relationships in New Zealand: Should We Extend the Rights and Responsibilities of Marriage and Marriage-Like Relationships to Other Caring Relationships?

<p>This thesis considers whether the legal recognition of non-conjugal relationships in New Zealand should be improved; particularly by extending them the rights and responsibilities of marital and marriage-like (conjugal) relationships. For the purpose of this thesis, “non-conjugal” relationships are close, caring platonic relationships where people share their lives to a significant degree. Over the last decade, there has been a trend toward extending the legal consequences of marriage to non-conjugal relationships in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States. At the same time, the distinction between conjugal and non-conjugal relationships has been destabilised, due to the de-emphasis of sexual intimacy as a criterion for recognising marriage-like relationships. This thesis considers whether the marriage model should be extended to include certain non-conjugal relationships in New Zealand, as it has been overseas. It is clear that non-conjugal relationships can exhibit many of the features associated with conjugal relationships, as demonstrated by the high profile Burden sisters' case in the United Kingdom. These include characteristics such as long-term cohabitation, caring, commitment and interdependency. However, non-conjugal relationships typically exhibit these features to a lesser degree, which means that they may have different needs and require different support from the state. Ultimately, this thesis recommends against extending the marriage model to non-conjugal relationships for a number of reasons, including that the marriage model does not appear to respond adequately to the needs or living arrangements of people in non-conjugal relationships. However, this thesis also suggests that non-conjugal relationships in New Zealand can benefit from legal recognition in some cases. Aside from human rights considerations, the state has an interest in promoting these relationships due to their contribution to social cohesion and informal caregiving. As such, this thesis recommends a new framework for recognising personal relationships that also allows for nonconjugal relationships in New Zealand to be supported and promoted by the law, where appropriate.</p>

Quantitative Cross-Sectional Analyses of Quality-of-Life Outcomes Related to Race, Sex, Age, and Clinical Stage Among Multiple Myeloma Patients at an Urban Center

Introduction. Multiple myeloma (MM) patients suffer from disease symptoms and impact on quality of life (QoL) - a patient's sense of enjoyment, well-being, and ability to carry out activities of daily living. Reports on QoL in MM have focused on clinical trials that usually involve younger patients with adequate performance status (PS), mostly Caucasians. The median age of MM onset is 69 years; advanced age is associated with multiple comorbidities and deteriorating PS. Blacks have twice the incidence of MM compared to Caucasians; they also have a higher risk of dying due to poor healthcare utilization. Here, we explored the multifactorial nature of race, sex, age, and clinical stage in patient reported QoL outcomes using quantitative cross-sectional analyses from a single center in urban setting. Methods . Participants with a diagnosis of plasma cell disorders at various stages: MGUS, smoldering myeloma (SMM), or MM (newly diagnosed, maintenance, relapsed/refractory) were sequentially enrolled for a one-time measurement of QOL outcomes. Consent and study questionnaire were conducted verbally. Participants simply responded 'yes' or 'no' to nine question prompts outlined in Table 1, followed by verbal reasoning which was transcribed by the interviewer. The questionnaire included three main domains of QoL assessment based on existing literature review and feedback with our patient population. The first is physical symptoms and function (disease-related symptoms, treatment-related adverse events, sexual health and satisfaction with care), the second is mental health (depression, spirituality), and the third is social impact (financial burden, family support). Data were analyzed using chi-square test of independence. Participants will be re-approached for a second interview to determine changes to impact across the same QoL variables over time. The questionnaires validated within the current study will be used for a longitudinal cohort study to investigate whether a greater degradation is observed in one or more QoL domains during a specific time-point of MM disease course. Results. A total of 100 patients (males n=52) were enrolled. Median age was 64 years (IQR 55 - 68); 59 were Caucasian, 34 were Black, and 7 from other racial groups. At the time of interview: 7 were newly diagnosed or receiving induction therapy, 25 were undergoing stem cell transplant (SCT), 22 were on maintenance therapy, 33 were relapsed on salvage therapy, and 13 on no therapy (MGUS/SMM). Regardless of race, age, or sex, patients on therapy felt their QOL was impacted by fatigue (67%), and myeloma symptoms (65%). Black participants reported more fatigue as an impact on their QoL compared to other racial groups, p = .009. Women reported more impact from MM on sexual intimacy, p = .04, and impact from financial burden than male participants, p = .03. Younger patients &lt;60 years old (n=38) reported more impact from treatment-related adverse events, p = .004, disease-related symptoms, p = .02, and dissatisfaction with information received about their disease and/or treatment, p = .004, compared to patients aged &gt;60 years. Not surprisingly, patients with active MM (n=87); newly diagnosed on therapy, those undergoing SCT, or on maintenance, and relapsed disease) reported more MM symptoms p = &lt;.001, and suffered from more fatigue, p = &lt;.02, with higher impact on QoL compared to those with early-stage plasma cell disorders (MGUS, SMM). However, early-stage patients felt more dissatisfaction with information received and uncertainty about what to expect, p = &lt;.001, compared to MM patients receiving therapy. Interestingly, there were no age, sex, race, or clinical stage dependent effects observed from SCT experience, spirituality or religion, and dissatisfaction with cancer care. Conclusions. Patients &lt;60 years were impacted more by disease-related symptoms, treatment-related adverse events, in comparison to patients &gt;60 years. Women felt their QoL was impacted by MM's affect on sexual intimacy and resulting financial burden in comparison to men. Black participants felt greater impact from fatigue in comparison to Caucasian and other races. Active MM patients on treatment were more impacted by disease-related symptoms and fatigue compared to early-stage patients. MGUS/SMM patients not on therapy were more impacted by dissatisfaction of information received compared to patients receiving treatment at time of data collection. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Badros: Janssen: Research Funding; J&J: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding.

Queer Masculinities: Gender Roles, the Abject and Bottomhood in Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

This article analyzes queerness in Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous (2019), teasing out how the queer relationship at the core of the novel is framed. Ocean Vuong’s novel mobilizes queerness to straddle boundaries between cultures, gender roles and bodies. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous places the queer sexual orientations and gender performances of its protagonists, one Vietnamese American, one white American, in firm relation to the formative force of cultural contexts. Zooming in on two young boys’ queerness, the novel diversifies gender roles and makes room especially for non-normative masculinities. What is more, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous mobilizes the abject to showcase how queer sexual intimacy straddles boundaries between bodies and subjects. The article attends to language politics in connection with the novel’s coming-out performance, striated constructions of gender roles and their interplay with the abject and “bottomhood” (Nguyen 2014: 2) to come to grips with the novel’s diversification of queer masculinities.

Bio-psychosocial factor of vaginismus in Iranian women

Background and aim Various physical, psychological, social and cultural factors contribute to vaginismus. Therefore, given the multidimensionality of this disorder and the need to pay more attention to all biological, psychological and social dimensions in its treatment, the present study was conducted to investigate the bio-psychological factors contributing to vaginismus. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 Iranian women with vaginismus who had been referred to sexual health clinics of Tehran province in 2020. Multistage random sampling method was used in this study, and vaginismus was diagnosed in women by a specialist through using a questionnaire. Data collection tools included demographic and obstetric information form, valid and reliable Sexual Function Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), Sex Fear Questionnaire, Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire, Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale, Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Scale, Sexual Quality of Life-Female, Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Sexual Intimacy Scale and Questionnaire for Diagnosis of Vaginismus. In order to determine the factors related to vaginismus, multiple linear regression model was used through SPSS software version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Results Based on the results of the present study, the mean age of women and the mean duration of their marriage were 27.77 ± 5.36 and 4.07 ± 3.87 years respectively. As the results of multiple linear regression revealed, the variables of fear of sex (B = 0.141, P = 0.036), positive cognition (B = 0.197, P = 0.046), self-image (B = 0.651, P = 0.001), sexual intimacy (B = -0.116, P = 0.021), quality of sexual life (B = 0.115, P = 0.002) and education (B = 2.129, P = 0.024) from the bio-psychosocial model were the final predictors of vaginismus diagnosis score in women with this disorder. According to the results of multiple linear regression, 45.5% of the variance of vaginismus diagnosis total score was explained by these variables (R = 0.706, R2 = 0.498 and ADJ.R2 = 0.455). Conclusion The results of the present study showed that the variables of fear of sex, positive cognition and negative self-image, sexual intimacy, quality of sexual life and education were the final predictors of vaginismus diagnosis score. This disorder is, thus, considered to be multidimensional.

What are some ways to sustain your relationship?

There are many activities that you can enjoy with your loved one. Visiting museums, attending the theater, watching movies, and listening to music are just a few. You may both enjoy having a massage, strolling on a nature walk, or filling in an adult coloring book—even if you never pursued such pastimes before. Exercise is good for everyone and is a wonderful way to spend time with your loved one. Most people enjoy the touch and warmth of human contact and, for couples, sexual intimacy can be an important aspect of your relationship. Lastly, participating in meaningful activities—including research, advocacy, and providing support to others—can provide an important sense of purpose in life for you and your loved one.

Sexuality, Sexual Behavior, and Relationships of Asexual Individuals: Differences Between Aromantic and Romantic Orientation

Asexuality is a complex construct with a considerable lack of research until recently. Building upon available findings, we examined the extent to which romantic orientation shapes individual and relationship experiences and expectations of asexual individuals. Specifically, our research focused on the distinction between romantic asexual individuals, who experience romantic attraction, and aromantic asexual individuals, who do not experience romantic attraction. A cross-sectional study with members of different asexual online communities (N = 447, 55.02% women; Mage = 24.77, SD = 7.21) aimed at examining how both groups differ in their identification with the asexuality construct as measured by the Asexuality Identification Scale (Yule et al., 2015), individual perspectives on sexuality, sexual behavior and relationships, concerns about commitment and sexual performance in a relationship, and attachment style. Results showed that aromantic asexual individuals identified more with asexuality, reported a more avoidant attachment style, and were more concerned with relationship commitment. In contrast, romantic asexual individuals reported less sex aversion, more sexual experiences (both past and current), and more sexual partners in the past. These individuals also indicated to have engaged in romantic relationships more frequently, desire to engage in romantic relationship in the future (either with or without sexual intimacy), and were more concerned with sexual performance. Overall, our findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the need to consider romantic orientation when examining asexuality and its interpersonal outcomes.

The Interaction Between BMI, Weight Criticism, Weight Bias and Psychological and Relational Outcomes Within Marriage

Purpose: To examine 1) whether a wife’s BMI interacts with either her husband’s weight stigma or 2) her perceived weight criticisms from her husband predict husbands’ and wives’ psychological and relational outcomes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 209 currently married men and women in a heterosexual relationship. Participants were drawn from an online survey platform (Qualtrics, Inc. Provo, UT) designed to approximate the US population on age, race, and region of the country. Online measures assessed husbands’ weight stigma, wives’ perceived weight criticisms from husband, and husbands’ and wives’: 1) relationship satisfaction, 2) sexual intimacy, 3) self-esteem, 4) depressive symptoms, and 5) perceptions of a desirable or ideal mate. Results: Wives’ BMI interacted with husbands’ weight stigma to predict 1) mate value for husbands and wives and 2) marital satisfaction for husbands. The same pattern was noted with interaction of wives’ BMI and perceptions of husbands’ weight related criticisms. The interaction reflected that higher wife BMI and higher husband weight stigma or wife perceived weight-related criticism predicted lower marital satisfaction, greater depression, and lower perceptions of a desirable or an ideal mate. Lower BMI was not associated with outcomes regardless of the husbands’ weight stigma or wives’ perceived weight-related criticisms. Conclusion: To understand the impact of weight stigma and weight related criticisms on perceptions of a desirable or ideal mate and marital outcomes, it is important to examine the interaction with partner’s BMI.Level of Evidence: III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.