Collaborative imagination synchronizes representations of the future and fosters social connection in the present.

From close friends to people on a first date, imagining a shared future appears fundamental to relationships. Yet, no previous research has conceptualized the act of imagination as a socially constructed process that affects how connected we feel to others. The present studies provide a framework for investigating imagination as a collaborative process in which individuals cocreate shared representations of hypothetical events-what we call collaborative imagination. Across two preregistered studies (N = 244), we provide evidence that collaborative imagination of a shared future fosters social connection in novel dyads-beyond imagining a shared future individually or shared experience in general. Subjective ratings and natural language processing of participants' imagined narratives illuminate the representational features of imagined events shaped by collaborative imagination. Together, the present findings have the potential to shift how we view the structure and function of imagination with implications for better understanding interpersonal relationships and collective cognition.

The experience of albinism in France: a qualitative study on dyads of parents and their adult child with albinism.

BACKGROUND: To date, almost no research on the psychosocial implications of albinism has been conducted in France and an exploration of albinism-related experiences could be beneficial, in order to better understand this condition. The aim of this study was to examine how French people with albinism and their parents live with and adapt to this condition in all the areas of their lives. METHODS: Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 9 parent-child dyads, each participating separately. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling, thanks to the combined efforts of a patient association (Genespoir) and professionals from the partner medical referral centers involved in the project. Dyads in which the individual with albinism had any comorbidity were excluded. The interviews were then transcribed and subjected to in-depth thematic analysis. Two codebooks were constructed in a mirrored process: one for people with albinism; the other for their parents. They were finally merged at the end of the coding step. RESULTS: Four main categories were identified: personal perceptions and social representations of albinism, difficulties and obstacles encountered by people with albinism, resources and facilitators, and the importance of parent-child functioning. The results indicated that experiences of stigmatization during childhood and adolescence are common and that people with albinism face challenges in adapting to certain obstacles related to their visual impairments (VI) (e.g., inability to drive a car; eye strain...). Parents emerged as one, if not as the main, source of support for people with albinism throughout their development. Although external support systems exist to assist them in various aspects of their lives, some of them primarily rely on their own personal resources to cope. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the importance of a systemic and transdisciplinary approach to make sure families receive the support that best meets their needs.

Caregiver greeting to infants under 6 months already reflects emerging differences in those later diagnosed with autism.

As infants develop, caregivers adjust their behaviour to scaffold their infant's emerging skills, such that changes in infants' social abilities are expected to elicit changes in caregiver behaviour. We examined whether changes in the probability of infant-directed caregiving behaviour-specifically, greeting, a ubiquitous signal used by caregivers to initiate reciprocal interactions-differ between infant-caregiver dyads with an infant later diagnosed with autism and dyads with a neurotypically developing infant during infants' first 6 months. Using longitudinal data from 163 dyads, we found that caregivers in autism dyads (n = 40) used greeting less and at later infant ages than caregivers with a neurotypically developing infant (neurotypical dyads, n = 83). Caregivers in dyads with infants at elevated familial genetic likelihood for autism who did not receive an autism diagnosis (EL-non-autism dyads, n = 40) showed no differences in greeting compared with neurotypical dyads. Socioeconomic status partially mediated the difference between autism and neurotypical dyads. These findings show that autism and socioeconomic status were associated with the mutually adapted dynamics of dyadic interaction beginning in the first postnatal weeks. Importantly, differences in caregiver greeting observed in autism dyads are not interpreted as suboptimal behaviour from caregivers but rather indicate how early emerging social differences related to autism, years before overt features are present, may alter social learning opportunities elicited by the infant.

A Dyadic Nosology for Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Bone Fragility Syndromes 2024.

In 2023 following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, the expert Nosology Working Group of the International Skeletal Dysplasia Society (ISDS) published the new Dyadic Nosology for Genetic Disorders of the Skeleton. Some 770 entities were delineated associated with 552 genes. From these entities, over 40 genes resulting in distinct forms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and Bone Fragility and/or Familial Osteoporosis were identified. To assist clinicians and lay stake holders and bring the considerable body of knowledge of the matrix biology and genomics to people with OI as well as to clinicians and scientists, a dyadic nosology has been recommended. This combines a genomic co-descriptor with a phenotypic naming based on the widely used Sillence nosology for the OI syndromes and the many other syndromes characterized in part by bone fragility.This review recapitulates and explains the evolution from the simple Congenita and Tarda subclassification of OI in the 1970 nosology, which was replaced by the Sillence types I-IV nosology which was again replaced in 2009 with 5 clinical groups, type 1 to 5. Qualitative and quantitative defects in type I collagen polypeptides were postulated to account for the genetic heterogeneity in OI for nearly 30 years, when OI type 5, a non-collagen disorder was recognized. Advances in matrix biology and genomics since that time have confirmed a surprising complexity both in transcriptional as well as post-translational mechanisms of collagens as well as in the many mechanisms of calcified tissue homeostasis and integrity.

Common dyadic coping and its congruence in couples facing breast cancer: The impact on couples' psychological distress.

OBJECTIVE: Psychological distress is prevalent in couples facing breast cancer. Couples often deal with breast cancer as a unit instead of as individuals. Couple's dyadic coping is important for their adjustment to breast cancer; however, little is known about how couple's coping congruence influences their distress. This study examined how common dyadic coping (CDC) and coping congruence impact psychological distress in couples facing breast cancer. METHODS: Baseline data were analyzed from 343 women with recently diagnosed early-stage breast cancer and their partners who participated in a randomized clinical trial. Psychological distress was indicated by depressed mood and state anxiety. Common dyadic coping was measured by a self-report scale. Coping congruence was assessed by the absolute difference between a woman's and her partner's CDC scores. RESULTS: Higher CDC scores were associated with lower psychological distress in both women and partners. In the CDC subscales, women who suffered less scored higher on open communication, sharing a positive outlook, and lower on avoidance coping. Partners who suffered less scored higher on open communication, sharing a positive outlook, spending time talking, and lower on avoidance coping. Greater congruence in CDC was associated with lower psychological distress in women and their partners. Congruence in sharing a positive outlook benefited both members of the dyad; congruence in avoidance coping significantly benefited patients; congruence in open communication significantly benefited partners. CONCLUSIONS: CDC and its congruence in specific areas have potential benefit to couple's psychological distress when facing breast cancer. Health care providers could consider enhancing couple's CDC and coping congruence to improve their adjustment.

Conflicting patterns of cardiovascular reactivity, self-report, and behavior associated with social anxiety during a conversation with a close friend.

Social anxiety (SA) is characterized by anxious symptomology and fear during social situations, but recent work suggests that SA may not necessarily be associated with negative interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes in support contexts. The current research investigates the discrepancies between self-perceptions, behavior, and physiological responses associated with SA in social support conversations with close friends. Specifically, we examined the associations between SA and positive and negative affect, perceptions of demands and resources, and responsiveness. Additionally, we used the biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat to understand the physiological responses associated with SA. Participants (79.9% White, 9.8% Black or African American, 10.3% Multiple races or other; 78.7% Female), totaling 172 undergraduate friend dyads, completed self-report measures and had physiological responses recorded while they discussed a problem unrelated to the friendship. Trained coders rated responsive behaviors exhibited during the conversation. Results revealed that greater SA was associated with greater negative perceptions of social interactions (greater negative affect, fewer perceived resources, and greater perceived demands). However, cardiovascular reactivity and behavioral responses within the conversation, as well as perceptions of partners' behavior after the conversation, contrasted with these negative perceptions. Indeed, greater SA was associated with greater sympathetic arousal (indicative of greater task engagement), but not with greater challenge or threat, and SA was not associated with perceived partner responsiveness or responsive behaviors. These results add to the growing body of research that suggests people with greater SA show inconsistencies between their conscious appraisals of social situations and their physiological responses.

Coping with sexual violence as a post-assault formed couple: A dyadic phenomenological interview analysis.

Increasing evidence shows that survivors of sexual violence frequently experience relationship difficulties following their victimization. Little is known regarding how couples which formed post-assault cope with the impact of the prior assault. Hence, the aim of the current study was to gain insight into post-assault formed couples' experiences in coping with the impact of sexual violence. To this end, an interview study was conducted with five female survivors and their male partners who began their romantic relationship post-assault. A dyadic phenomenological interview analysis revealed that sexual victimization is a dyadic stressor but is not always considered as such by the couple. In addition, disclosure is described as a potential bonding experience. Flexibility and creativity from both partners are required as they adapt to the post-assault impact. In addition, meaningful communication and considering the perspective of one's partner seemed to be key to dyadically cope successfully. The current study also identified challenges couples had to manage, including caregiver burden and role confusion. Results suggest that interventions supporting couples in their continuous efforts toward mutual understanding can foster trust and growth.

Relationship between dyadic communication and body image among women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Dyadic communication positively affects marital relationships, good relationships help restore body image, and this study explores the relationship between dyadic communication and body image of breast cancer patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional correlation design with convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from two outpatient medical centers. Demographic information, medical records, and two questionnaires, dyadic communicative resilience scale (DCRS) and body image scale (BIS), were administered. Participants comprised women with breast cancer and their partners. Multiple regression analysis was performed to control related factors to understand the association between the DCRS of the women with breast cancer and their partners and the women's body image. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to analyze between three categories of couple's communication status (consistent and good, consistent and poor, and inconsistent) and body image of women with breast cancer. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 162 women with breast cancer and 90 partners. The study found (1) significant correlation between the women's perception of their communication and body image, (2) humor in partner's perception of their communication was significantly associated with women's body image, and (3) dyadic communication that both patients and partners were consistent and good in the domain of keeping pre-cancer routines and attractiveness was associated with women's body image. CONCLUSION: The correlation between dyadic communication and the body image of women with breast cancer is significant. Improving communication specific on keeping pre-cancer routines and attractiveness between women with breast cancer and their partners could enhance the women's body image.

Illness perception and intimate relationships in patients with cervical cancer: the mediating role of dyadic coping.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A good intimate relationship (IR) can relieve the psychological distress of patients with cervical cancer and promote a sense of well-being during stressful times. Researchers have found that IR is related to illness perception (IP) and dyadic coping (DC). Therefore, this study aimed to (1) describe the IR of patients with cervical cancer, (2) identify the relationships and pathways among IP, DC and IR in patients with cervical cancer and (3) explore the mediating role of DC between IP and IR in cervical cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 175 patients with cervical cancer were recruited at a tertiary hospital in China from September 2021 to January 2023. The data were collected through a general demographic and disease-related information questionnaire, the Locke-Wallace Marriage Adjustment Test, the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire of Cervical Cancer and the Dyadic Coping Inventory. RESULTS: The mean score for intimate relationships was 107.78 (SD = 23.99, range 30-154). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that intimate relationships were positively correlated with IP (personal control) and DC (stress communication, supportive DC, delegated DC and common DC) and were negatively correlated with IP (consequence, timeline acute/chronic, timeline cyclical and emotional representation) and negative DC. As for the results of the structural equation model, DC fully mediated the influencing effects of both positive and negative IP on IR. CONCLUSIONS: The level of IR of patients with cervical cancer in China should be improved. DC has a significant mediating effect on the link between the IP and IR.

Associations between dyadic communication and dyadic coping of patients with cervical cancer and their spouses: a study utilizing the actor-partner interdependence model.

There is a growing focus on exploring dyadic interactions and outcomes between couples undergoing cervical cancer (CC). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to figure out how dyadic communication influences both CC patients' and spouses' coping abilities. A sample of 286 CC dyads completed questionnaires assessing dyadic communication and dyadic coping. The actor-partner interdependence model was used to analyze the interaction effect between the dyads. Dyadic communication among cervical cancer (CC) patients has a predictive effect on their own negative dyadic coping (ß = - 0.141, P = 0.034) and on their spouses' delegated dyadic coping (ß = 0.133, P = 0.044). In contrast, dyadic communication among CC spouses is negatively associated with their own supportive dyadic coping (ß = - 0.237, P < 0.001), delegated dyadic coping (ß = - 0.156, P = 0.018), common dyadic coping (ß = - 0.148, P = 0.026) and also with CC patients' supportive dyadic coping (ß = - 0.153, P = 0.022). Dyadic communication between CC patients and their spouses affect their own and each other's dyadic coping. Exploring interventions focused on the CC couples' communication strategies to enhance their positive dyadic coping should be considered.

The Association Between Sexual Initiation and Membership in Dyadic Profiles of Perceived Shared Power.

There is scarce empirical evidence examining whether sexual initiation and power are associated with each other. Utilizing latent profile analyses, we examined in a nationally representative sample of US newlywed heterosexual couples (N = 1,948 couples) whether wives' and husbands' sexual initiation patterns and satisfaction with these patterns were associated with membership in different profiles of wives' and husbands' perceptions of shared relational power while accounting for both partner's satisfaction with sexual frequency. We found four profiles of wives' and husbands' perceptions of power. The most common profile was when both wives and husbands perceived high levels of power compared to other profiles, but wives had significantly higher reports of perceived power than husbands (High Power, Wife Higher; 40.8%). Husbands' sexual initiation patterns were not associated with profile membership. Wives who reported equal sexual initiation patterns had a higher probability of being in the High Power, Wife Higher profile compared to the Wife Low Power, Husband Moderate Power profile. Both wives' and husbands' satisfaction with sexual initiation patterns were associated with profile membership. Wives and husbands that were satisfied with sexual initiation patterns had a higher probability of being in the High Power, Wife Higher profile compared to the profile where both wives and husbands had high perceptions of shared relational power compared to other profiles, but their scores were not significantly different from each other (High Power, Equal).

Intimacy Promotes Couples' Sexual Well-Being on a Daily Basis and Over One Year: The Role of Positive Sexual Cues.

There is growing interest in identifying factors that promote sexual well-being in romantic relationships. One such factor is intimacy-a process involving self-disclosure and empathic response that is positively associated with sexuality outcomes. However, most work among community couples examined cross-sectional associations in mixed-sex/gender couples using a single sexual outcome, which may not capture daily variations in intimacy and different dimensions of sexual well-being among a diversity of unions over time. Additionally, potential mediating mechanisms of the intimacy-sexual well-being association, such as attention to positive sexual cues (i.e., sexual thoughts and feelings), have been neglected. Adopting daily diary and longitudinal designs, the present study examined whether greater intimacy was associated with higher levels of positive sexual cues and, in turn, higher sexual well-being (sexual desire, satisfaction and distress). A convenience sample of 211 couples (Mage = 30.2 years; SD = 8.3; 75 sexually diverse couples) completed a survey on days of sexual activity with their partner, over a 35-day period and 12 months later. Daily results showed that intimacy was related to greater attention to positive sexual cues for both partners, which in turn was associated with their greater sexual desire and satisfaction and lower sexual distress. Longitudinal results showed that a person's greater daily intimacy was linked to their own greater sexual desire and satisfaction 12 months later via their own higher positive sexual cues, but not to their partner's cues or well-being. Findings extend interpersonal models of sexual well-being and support the role of intimacy and positive sexual cues therein.

Dyadic practice for the acquisition of laparoscopic skills (DALS)-A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic simulation is integral to surgical education but requires significant resources. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of dyadic practice (DP), involving two individuals working together, to individual practice (IP) for novices acquiring laparoscopic skills and assess their learning experience. METHODS: We conducted a Randomized Controlled Trial comparing DP and IP for novice medical students who completed a laparoscopic simulation workshop. Participants were assessed individually pre-course (test 1), post-course (test 2), and 8-week retention (test 3) using a validated quantitative method. A post-course questionnaire and interview, analyzed with thematic analysis, assessed the learning experience. RESULTS: In total, 31 DP and 35 IP participants completed the study. There was no difference in mean scores between DP and IP groups in all three tests: test 1 (p = 0.55), test 2 (p = 0.26), test 3 (p = 0.35). In trend analysis, the DP group improved post-course (test 1 vs. 2: p = 0.02) and maintained this level at the retention test (2 vs. 3: p = 0.80, 1 vs. 3: p = 0.02). Whilst the IP group also improved post-course (test 1 vs. 2: p < 0.001), this improvement was not retained (2 vs. 3: p = 0.003, 1 vs. 3: p = 0.32). Thematic analysis revealed that DP participants valued peer support, peer feedback and observation time, but also acknowledged the limitations of reduced practical time and issues with teamwork. CONCLUSION: DP is non-inferior to IP for novices learning laparoscopic skills, is well received and may lead to superior long-term skill retention.

How and Why People Synchronize: An Integrated Perspective.

Academic AbstractInterpersonal synchrony, the alignment of behavior and/or physiology during interactions, is a pervasive phenomenon observed in diverse social contexts. Here we synthesize across contexts and behaviors to classify the different forms and functions of synchrony. We provide a concise framework for classifying the manifold forms of synchrony along six dimensions: periodicity, discreteness, spatial similarity, directionality, leader-follower dynamics, and observability. We also distill the various proposed functions of interpersonal synchrony into four interconnected functions: reducing complexity and improving understanding, accomplishing joint tasks, strengthening social connection, and influencing partners' behavior. These functions derive from first principles, emerge from each other, and are accomplished by some forms of synchrony more than others. Effective synchrony flexibly adapts to social goals and more synchrony is not always better. Our synthesis offers a shared framework and language for the field, allowing for better cross-context and cross-behavior comparisons, generating new hypotheses, and highlighting future research directions.

Coping self-efficacy mediates effects of posttraumatic distress on communal coping in parent-adolescence dyads after floods.

Social cognitive theory provides a framework of human agency during environmental challenges, with coping self-efficacy (CSE) as an important construct underlying adaptation. We examined two alternative models involving CSE as a mediator of the association between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and communal coping among parent-youth dyads after severe floods using Bayesian dyadic multilevel modeling. The first model included PTSS as the independent variable and communal coping as the dependent variable (disaster distress model). The independent and dependent variables were replaced for each other in the second model (communal coping model). We used data from 485 parent-youth dyads who experienced floods between 2015 and 2016 in Texas, USA. Parents of children (69% women) aged 10-19 years old, and their oldest child (53% male; Mean age = 13.75) in that age range were recruited. We assessed PTSS, CSE, and communal coping for parents and youths. Results favored the disaster distress model over the communal coping model. In the disaster distress model, results demonstrated that CSE declines as PTSS increases, predicting decreased communal coping. This mediation effect of CSE is stronger for youths compared to parents, indicating that children's CSE is affected more by PTSS.

The role of truth and bias in parents' judgments of children's science interests.

Parents' judgments about their children's level of interest in different science topics may affect the science-learning opportunities they provide their children. However, little is known about how parents judge these interests. We used the truth and bias model of judgment of West and Kenny (Psychological Review [2011], Vol. 118, pp. 357-378) to examine factors that may affect parents' judgments of their children's science interests such as the truth (children's self-reported interest) and potential sources of parental bias. We also investigated whether several individual difference measures moderated the effect of truth or bias on judgments. Children (N = 139, ages 7-11 years) rated their level of interest in five science and five non-science topics. Separately, parents (N = 139) judged their children's interest in the same topics. Overall, parents accurately judged their children's science interests, but we also found evidence of some forms of bias, namely that parents generally under-estimated their children's science interests. In addition, parents' personal science attitudes were related to judgments of science interests, such that parents more favorable of science tended to rate their children's interest in science topics higher than parents with a less favorable view. We did not find evidence that individual differences among parents moderated the effect of truth or bias on judgments; however, parents were more accurate at judging the non-science interests of older children than younger children. Parents should be aware that they may be under-estimating their children's interest in science topics and that their personal attitudes about science may be influencing their judgments of their children's science interests.

The relationship between caregivers and daughters' food and body shape scripts: A dyadic analysis.

Research indicates a key role for parenting in a daughter's relationship with food and body shape. One possible mechanism for this translational process is through scripts. The present study used a dyadic design to investigate the relationship between caregivers and daughters' scripts regarding food and body shape. Caregivers (n = 40) and their daughters (n = 40) rated word lists of their current and childhood scripts and caregivers completed an additional measure of their parenting scripts. Non-dyadic analysis showed consistent correlations between daughters' current scripts and their recollections of childhood scripts, and several (but less consistent) correlations between caregivers' current scripts, their own childhood scripts and the scripts they had used as a parent. Dyadic analysis showed consistent correlations between the daughter's current scripts relating to negative eating and both positive and negative body scripts and their caregiver's parenting scripts, and between the daughter's current scripts relating to positive and negative eating and body looking positive and their caregiver's current scripts. No associations were found between the daughter's current scripts and the caregiver's childhood scripts. The results indicate that whilst daughters' current scripts relating to food and body shape are often concordant to those reported by their caregivers, they are more closely linked to what they remember from their childhoods. Further, they suggest that those scripts which do transfer between generations may be more related to body size and negative eating than food per se. Finally, the results suggest that scripts do not inevitably pass across the generations possibly due to parents choosing not to repeat the errors of their own parents or due to the role of factors other than just parenting in creating the scripts we hold.

Design of Digital Mental Health Platforms for Family Member Cocompletion: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic placed an additional mental health burden on individuals and families, resulting in widespread service access problems. Digital mental health interventions suggest promise for improved accessibility. Recent reviews have shown emerging evidence for individual use and early evidence for multiusers. However, attrition rates remain high for digital mental health interventions, and additional complexities exist when engaging multiple family members together. OBJECTIVE: As such, this scoping review aims to detail the reported evidence for digital mental health interventions designed for family use with a focus on the build and design characteristics that promote accessibility and engagement and enable cocompletion by families. METHODS: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases was conducted for articles published in the English language from January 2002 to March 2024. Eligible records included empirical studies of digital platforms containing some elements designed for cocompletion by related people as well as some components intended to be completed without therapist engagement. Platforms were included in cases in which clinical evidence had been documented. RESULTS: Of the 9527 papers reviewed, 85 (0.89%) met the eligibility criteria. A total of 24 unique platforms designed for co-use by related parties were identified. Relationships between participants included couples, parent-child dyads, family caregiver-care recipient dyads, and families. Common platform features included the delivery of content via structured interventions with no to minimal tailoring or personalization offered. Some interventions provided live contact with therapists. User engagement indicators and findings varied and included user experience, satisfaction, completion rates, and feasibility. Our findings are more remarkable for what was absent in the literature than what was present. Contrary to expectations, few studies reported any design and build characteristics that enabled coparticipation. No studies reported on platform features for enabling cocompletion or considerations for ensuring individual privacy and safety. None examined platform build or design characteristics as moderators of intervention effect, and none offered a formative evaluation of the platform itself. CONCLUSIONS: In this early era of digital mental health platform design, this novel review demonstrates a striking absence of information about design elements associated with the successful engagement of multiple related users in any aspect of a therapeutic process. There remains a large gap in the literature detailing and evaluating platform design, highlighting a significant opportunity for future cross-disciplinary research. This review details the incentive for undertaking such research; suggests design considerations when building digital mental health platforms for use by families; and offers recommendations for future development, including platform co-design and formative evaluation.

Empathy and support exchanges in couples coping with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Research has extensively examined spousal caregiving in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but it remains unclear how people with AD help spousal caregivers. We aimed to describe emotional and practical support that people with AD and their spouses provide to each other and test the role their empathy plays in these support experiences. METHODS: Seventy-two people with early-stage AD and their spousal caregivers independently reported empathy (personal distress, empathic concern, perspective taking) and the frequency and appraisal of support provision. Caregivers reported both partners' sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: People with early-stage AD and their spousal caregivers provided support to each other often. Caregivers provided more support but people with AD appraised support provision as more pleasant and less stressful. Lower personal distress in both partners and greater caregiver empathic concern were associated with more frequent caregiver support to people with AD. Greater empathic concern and perspective taking were associated with more pleasant appraisals of helping. Personal distress was positively associated with stress of helping. CONCLUSION: Findings describe support reciprocity in early-stage AD and debunk the myth of people with AD being only recipients of care. We identify risk and resilience in couples per empathy and inform the design of dyadic interventions to promote mutually beneficial relationships in AD.

Being alone after late-life divorce: freedom and loneliness from an intergenerational familial/dyadic perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To examine in-depth experiences of loneliness and freedom after late-life divorce from an intergenerational familial/dyadic perspective in a family-oriented society that also values self-determination. Considering the expansion of late-life divorce, it is important to understand its consequences for the family wellbeing. METHOD: According to phenomenology tradition, data was collected through 51 semi-structured qualitative interviews, comprised from 7 family units (n = 33) including all/most family members and 9 parent-child dyads (n = 18), using thematic-analysis and dyadic interview-analysis principles. Analyzing family units enables a more complex examination of the phenomena, providing a holistic view of family life. RESULTS: Loneliness and freedom experienced simultaneously was the most common. A gap was identified between generations regarding benefits and costs of late-life divorce. Whereas most divorcees emphasized the benefits of freedom, most of their adult-children mainly described the disadvantages of loneliness, perceiving both loneliness and freedom as negative. CONCLUSION: Late-life divorce is a complex experience comprised of both loneliness and freedom. Each generation experiences the benefits and costs of late-life divorce differently. Unique aspects of freedom and loneliness at old age in a socio-cultural context located between self-determination and family-oriented are discussed, including strategies of coping with loneliness. Implications for families and professionals are presented.