Maternal Perinatal Depression, Alexithymia, and Couple Functioning: Which Relationship Exists with Prenatal Attachment.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal attachment refers to the affective investment that parents develop towards their unborn baby during pregnancy. Studies have identified depressive symptoms, affect dysregulation, and poor marital adjustment as potential risk factors for poor prenatal attachment. However, no research has concurrently examined these factors. This study aims to explore the simultaneous impact of depressive symptomatology, alexithymia, and couple functioning on prenatal attachment to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping the emotional bond between expectant mothers and their fetuses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 344 women (mean age = 34.1, SD = 4.6) in their last trimester of pregnancy recruited from the National Health System. The participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale. RESULTS: Regression analyses indicated that perinatal depression and alexithymia negatively affected the Quality of Prenatal Attachment, while Dyadic Cohesion served as a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasize the need for early identification of perinatal depression and alexithymia, along with targeted interventions aimed at supporting Dyadic Cohesion during pregnancy. These efforts are crucial for fostering positive prenatal attachment and enhancing maternal mental health.

A Safe Haven Through Attachment: A Dyadic Perspective on the Association Between Cumulative Childhood Trauma and Relationship Satisfaction.

Cumulative childhood trauma (CCT) increases the risk of experiencing interpersonal problems and relationship distress in adulthood. However, not all CCT survivors experience such difficulties, and little research has investigated protective factors against relationship dissatisfaction in CCT survivors and their partners. Romantic attachment might be one such factor that could reduce the harmful effects of a CCT history on relationship satisfaction for both survivors and their partners. Using a dyadic perspective, this study aimed to examine the association between CCT and relationship satisfaction and to test the moderating effect of attachment avoidance and anxiety on this association. A sample of 501 couples was recruited through a Canadian survey firm. Canadian couples who had provided their telephone number were randomly selected to complete the short form of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, and the Childhood Cumulative Trauma Questionnaire. The actor-partner interdependence moderation model was used to guide the analyses. Results showed that individuals' and partners' higher CCT was correlated with both partners' lower relationship satisfaction. The analyses revealed a moderating effect of lower attachment avoidance on the link between individuals' CCT and their own relationship satisfaction. Specifically, individuals' CCT was significantly and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction at high levels of attachment avoidance, but unrelated to relationship satisfaction at low levels of attachment avoidance. The final model explained 31.4% of the variance in relationship satisfaction. Overall, the findings support the relevance of couple interventions that focus on romantic attachment to improve relationship well-being in couples where one or both partners have experienced CCT.

Interplay of Dyadic Consensus, Reflective Functioning, and Perinatal Affective Difficulties in Modulating Fear of COVID-19 among First-Time Mothers: A Mediation Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated fears and anxieties, potentially influencing maternal perinatal mental health. This study addresses a gap in the literature on fear of COVID-19 in pregnant women, aiming to identify contributing factors. METHOD: Participants were 401 primiparous women with an average age of 34 years (SD = 4.56) who were recruited through the National Health System during birth support courses. They completed a series of self-reported instruments via an online survey, providing information on their levels of reflective functioning, dyadic consensus, perinatal maternal affectivity, and fear of COVID-19. Pearson's correlation and mediation analysis via a generalized linear model were implemented to analyze the collected data. RESULTS: The relationship between dyadic consensus and fear of COVID-19 was significant and negative. Furthermore, a significant parallel mediation involving perinatal maternal affectivity and reflective functioning was found to the extent that, when these factors were inserted into the model, the direct association between dyadic consensus and fear of COVID-19 became non-significant (total mediation). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of dyadic adjustment in alleviating maternal COVID-19 fear, emphasizing interventions promoting couple functioning, mentalization, and addressing affective difficulties. Such approaches are vital for supporting expecting mothers during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spillover effects on the relationship with the partner of a mentalization-based intervention for pregnant women.

The birth of a child has been associated with a decline in couple satisfaction, which has implications for the child's social-emotional development. This study investigated the potential spillover effect on pregnant women's perceptions of their relationships with their partners of the Supporting the Transition to and Engagement in Parenthood (STEP) program, a brief trauma-informed mentalization-based prenatal group intervention. Participants (94% White) were recruited in prenatal clinics and through online advertisements in Quebec, Canada. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from participants assigned to the STEP program (n = 42) and those receiving treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 125). Women participating in STEP reported significant improvements in their relationships with their partners compared to those assigned to TAU. More precisely, they reported higher couple satisfaction, enhanced communication, and increased interest in their partners' emotional experience. The qualitative analysis further substantiated these results, with participants reporting having involved their partners in their pregnancy, shared their insights about themselves with their partners and gained fresh perspectives on their relationships. Participants in STEP also expressed sharing program materials with their partners and considered that such interventions should be extended to expecting fathers. This study underscores the potential of mentalization-based interventions to indirectly contribute to couple relationships, which may have positive implications for parenting and the infant.

Se ha asociado el nacimiento de un niño con una disminución en la satisfacción de la pareja, lo cual tiene implicaciones para el desarrollo socioemocional del niño. Este estudio investigó el potencial efecto derrame en las relaciones de mujeres embarazadas con sus parejas, del programa STEP, un grupo prenatal de intervención breve, informado sobre el trauma y con base en la mentalización. A las participantes (94% blancos) se les reclutó en clínicas prenatales y por medio de anuncios en línea en Quebec, Canadá. Se recogió información tanto cuantitativa como cualitativa de las participantes asignadas al programa STEP (n = 42) y de aquellas que recibían tratamiento como de costumbre (TAU; n = 125). Las mujeres que participaban en STEP reportaron significativas mejoras en las relaciones con sus parejas comparadas con aquellas asignadas al grupo TAU. Más precisamente, ellas reportaron una más alta satisfacción de acoplamiento, una mejorada comunicación y un aumento en el interés en la experiencia emocional de sus parejas. Los análisis cualitativos sustentaron además estos resultados, con reportes de las participantes de haber hecho a sus parejas partícipes en el embarazo, compartido su sentir acerca de sí mismas con sus parejas y haber adquirido perspectivas renovadas acerca de sus relaciones. Las participantes en STEP también expresaron que habían compartido materiales del programa con sus parejas y considerado que tales intervenciones deben extenderse a los papás que esperan un hijo. Este estudio subraya la potencialidad de las intervenciones con base en la mentalización para contribuir indirectamente a las relaciones de pareja, lo cual pudiera tener implicaciones positivas para la crianza y el infante.

Physical activity together for MS (PAT-MS): Secondary outcomes of a randomized controlled feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Care partners provide essential care to those with multiple sclerosis (MS). Dyadic interventions promoting health behaviours have wide-reaching benefits for individuals with MS and their care partners. However, behavioural interventions to promote physical activity in patient-caregiver dyads have yet to be explored in an MS-specific context. This study examined the secondary outcomes of the "Physical Activity Together for Multiple Sclerosis (PAT-MS)" intervention, including dyadic adjustment, caregiving tasks, caregiver quality of life, coping, and MS impact in MS dyads. METHODS: A randomized controlled feasibility trial of the 12-week behavioural PAT-MS intervention. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Caregiving Tasks in MS Scale, Caregiver Quality of Life in MS Scale, Coping with MS Caregiving Inventory, and MS Impact Scale measured secondary outcomes of interest. Mixed-model ANOVAs were used to test changes in variables between groups (PAT-MS vs wait-list control) over time. RESULTS: 20 participants, including 10 people with MS (51.4 ± 10.1 years old; median patient-determined disease steps (PDDS) score= 4, IQR= 1.25) and 10 care partners (48.5 ± 12.1 years old) were recruited and randomized. There was no statistically significant effect of the intervention on any of the secondary outcomes (p= 0.67-1.00). However, large effect sizes and condition-by-time interaction effects indicated improvement in dyadic adjustment (d= 1.03, ηp2= 0.45), the criticism-coercion coping subscale (d= -0.93, ηp2= 0.49), and caregiving tasks (d= 1.05, ηp2= 0.52), specifically within psycho-emotional (d= 1.47, ηp2= 0.38) and socio-practical (d= 1.10, ηp2 =0.37) sub-domains of caregiving tasks after the PAT-MS intervention compared to the wait-list condition. CONCLUSION: While this pilot feasibility study was not powered based on the secondary outcomes herein, our findings indicate improvement in dyadic adjustment and emotional and social caregiving tasks, with reduced reliance on criticism-coercion coping in the PAT-MS group compared to controls following the intervention. Findings indicate that PAT-MS may improve dyadic psychosocial well-being of people with moderate-to-severe MS and their care partners, and this should be examined next in a fully-powered study.

Spousal support and dyadic adjustment in the early postpartum period.

In the study, we aimed to investigate the effects of perceived spousal support and dyadic adjustment on the psychological well-being of women in the early postpartum period. This descriptive and correlational study consisted of 367 women giving birth in the postpartum department between 15th July and 31st October 2022. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Perceived Spousal Support Among Women in Early Postpartum Period (PSSAWEPP), the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS). The average scores of PSSAWEPP, RDAS, and PWBS in the mothers were found as 61.79 ± 7.73, 54.16 ± 6.28, and 45.87 ± 5.74, respectively. The elevated scores of perceived spousal support (ß = 0.234, p < .001) and dyadic adjustment (ß = 0.270, p < .001) of women led to a significant increase in the level of psychological well-being. In conclusion, the support received by women from spouses and dyadic adjustment affect the psychological well-being of women in the early postpartum period.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the current relationship interview.

Background: The study of romantic relationships is based on attachment theory and the Current Relationship Interview (CRI) is a powerful tool that allows the optimal investigation of attachment representations toward romantic partners. However, evidence in this field is still unsatisfactory and further research is needed. This study aims to examine the associations between the adult attachment to partner, the style of conflict resolution, and dyadic adjustment. Methods: We administrated the Italian version of the CRI, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory questionnaire - Section II (ROCI II) - to a sample of 100 heterosexual couples. Results: Individuals with preoccupied attachment reported lower levels of dyadic adjustment and men, but not women, with preoccupied attachment reported lower levels of dyadic cohesion. Levels of dyadic adjustment reported by women/men did not vary according to their attachment types. Levels of dyadic adjustment reported by couples and by women did not vary according to the matching status of attachment types between partners. However, men in romantic relationship characterized by a mismatch between attachment types reported higher levels of consensus compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: The Italian version of the CRI proves an useful tool to investigate processes underlying romantic relationships. The role of current attachment in these processes appears to be highly complex and its investigation might be impacted by methodological issues, calling for additional studies.

The Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Psychoeducation on Body Image, Quality of Sexual Life, and Dyadic Adjustment of Women After Breast Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy-based psychoeducation applied to women who have undergone breast cancer surgery on body image, quality of sexual life, and dyadic adjustment. SAMPLE & SETTING: Women who have undergone breast cancer surgery were included. The research had a single-group quasi-experimental design with pre-/post-test measurements and 31 participants. METHODS & VARIABLES: The research was carried out between February and July 2021. Data were collected using a personal information form, a body image perception scale, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and the Sexual Quality of Life-Female. RESULTS: The post-test mean scores of body image, quality of sexual life, and dyadic adjustment scales were significantly higher than pretest (p < 0.05). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: To improve the body image, quality of sexual life, and dyadic adjustment of women who have undergone breast cancer surgery, nurses are recommended to include psychoeducation based on acceptance and commitment therapy interventions in the nursing care process and to evaluate the effectiveness.

Dispositional mindfulness profiles in pregnant women: relationships with dyadic adjustment and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Introduction: Pregnancy is a time of major transition that can be stressful for women. Dispositional mindfulness may protect individuals when they face stress. Recent studies have adopted a person-centered approach to examine the role of mindfulness by identifying subtypes of individuals based on their scores in five mindfulness facets. Latent profile analysis was used to identify different mindfulness profiles in a sample of pregnant women, and we explored the relationships between these profiles, depression and anxiety symptoms, and whether dyadic adjustment mediated these relationships. Method: A total of 535 women aged 18-45 years in their 26th week of pregnancy completed questionnaires regarding mindfulness, dyadic satisfaction and cohesion, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Results: Three profiles were identified: (1) low mindfulness (53.8%), (2) moderate mindfulness (34.3%), and (3) non-judgmentally aware (11.9%). The most adaptive profile was the non-judgmentally aware profile. Compared to the low mindfulness profile, the non-judgmentally aware profile and the moderate mindfulness profile were related to fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and these relationships were partly mediated by dyadic satisfaction. Discussion: These results suggest that analyzing each pregnant woman's mindfulness profile can improve the prevention of and interventions for anxiety and depression.

The Role of Family Support and Dyadic Adjustment on the Psychological Well-being of Transgender Individuals: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: This study aimed to measure dyadic adjustment, social support, and psychological well-being. Methods: A research protocol composed of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was administered to a sample of 109 Italian transgender individuals. Results: Higher levels of global psychological distress, symptom severity, and interpersonal relationship distress were associated with lower levels of family support and dyadic adjustment. In addition, transgender women and younger transgender individuals reported higher levels of interpersonal relationship distress. Conclusions: The results indicate that the support and acceptance of one's partner and family of origin play a crucial role in promoting well-being. It represents an important protective factor with respect to negative psychological health outcomes. Policy Implications: The findings emphasize the need to develop specific clinical and social practices for transgender individuals and their families. Building family and partner-centered policies and programs is particularly important to enable transgender individuals to avoid paying the emotional and psychological costs associated with rejection and non-acceptance.

Paths towards parenthood after repeated treatment failures: a comparative study on predictors of psychological health outcomes in infertile couples persisting in treatments or opting for adoption.

Introduction: Infertility literature suggests widespread recourse to long-term medical treatments despite evidence of high stress, costs, and adverse effects of repeated treatment failures. However, there is a lack of research comparing predictors of stress and psychological health outcomes between members of infertile couples who - after repeated failures - persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT) with those who opted for quitting treatments and adopting (QTA). Basing on a transactional and multidimensional approach to infertility-related stress and health, the present study aims at exploring individual (socio-demographics; coping strategies) and situational (infertility-related parameters; infertility-related stressors; couple's dyadic adjustment dimensions) predictors of state-anxiety and depression in male and female partners of PT-infertile couples and of QTA-infertile couples. Methods: Participants were both members of 176 couples with duration of infertility and a history of medical treatments for at least 3 years (76 PT-infertile couples, 100 QTA-infertile couples). The study variables were compared by study group across genders. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to test main and moderating effects of study variables on state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders. Results: Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) reported significantly lower levels of state-anxiety and depression, higher stress related to need for parenthood and rejection of childfree-lifestyle and lower stress related to social and couple's relationship concerns than those who persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT). Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) recurred to a greater extent to active coping strategies (problem-solving/social-support) and to a lower extent to passive coping strategies (avoiding/turning-to-religion), and they reported higher levels of dyadic adjustment. Specificities in main and moderating factors related to state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders were found. Conclusion: Findings should be addressed to provide a comprehensive assessment of both members of infertile couples facing repeated treatment failures to identify risks and resources and develop tailored evidence-based interventions.

The Relationship among Dyadic Adjustment and Disease Burden in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Their Spouses.

(1) Background: Spouses of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) experience significant burdens, and the perception of the burden may affect dyadic adjustment. We aimed to investigate the sexual functions, alexithymic traits, marital satisfaction, and burden in patients with BD and their spouses. We also aimed to assess the mediating role of sexual functions and alexithymia in the relationship between burden and dyadic adjustment. (2) Methods: We included 81 patients with BD type 1 (40.69 ± 8.55 years, 65.4% female, and 34.6% male) and their healthy spouses (40.95 ± 7.30 years, 34.6% female, and 65.4% male) and 78 healthy controls (38.90 ± 5.88, 48.7% female, and 51.3% male). The participants were evaluated using the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), and Burden Assessment Scale (BAS). (3) Results: The GRISS scores of the control group were significantly lower than the spouses and BD groups. The DAS total score of the control group was significantly higher than that of the spouses and BD groups. Regression analyses revealed that TAS, GRISS, and HDRS scores were associated with DAS scores in the BD group. In the spouse group, TAS and BAS scores were associated with DAS scores. The GRISS scores partially mediated the relationship between dyadic adjustment and burden in the spouses of patients with BD. (4) Conclusions: Mental health professionals should regularly scan caregivers' perceptions of burden. Appropriate psychosocial interventions could help spouses of patients with BD to cope better with the burden and improve dyadic adjustment.

The Relationship between Attachment, Dyadic Adjustment, and Sexuality: A Comparison between Infertile Men and Women.

Infertility impacts several life dimensions. Among them, sexuality is particularly affected; yet studies have mainly focused on infertile women. We aimed to explore infertile men's and women's experiences in sexual satisfaction, internal control, and anxiety, and the relationship between attachment, dyadic adjustment, and sexuality. The sample consisted of 129 infertile people (47.3% females, 52.7% males, Mage = 39 years) who fulfilled an ad hoc questionnaire, the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire (MSQ), the Experiences in Close Relationship-Revised (ECR-R), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). We found a significant effect of type of infertility and infertility factors on sexual anxiety only in infertile men. As regards infertile women, dyadic adjustment predicted sexual satisfaction, anxious attachment decreased sexual internal control, and avoidant attachment reduced sexual anxiety. As regards infertile men, high dyadic adjustment increased sexual satisfaction and a high avoidant attachment predicted high levels of sexual internal control. There was no relationship between attachment, dyadic adjustment, and sexual anxiety for infertile men. From the results, it emerges how important is to consider both dyadic adjustment and attachment in studying how infertility impacts women's and men's lives.

The relationship of social support perceived by mothers and fathers and dyadic adjustment with maternal and paternal attachment in the postpartum period.

This descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study included mothers (n = 170) and fathers (n = 173) with 6- to 12-month-old babies. A personal information form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), the Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI), and the Postnatal Paternal-Infant Attachment Questionnaire (PPAQ) were used to gather information. Mothers' median scores were 64 (27-84) for MSPSS, 57 (21-69) for RDAS, and 102 (92-104) for MAI. Fathers' median scores were 53 (24-84) for MSPSS, 57 (40-69) for RDAS, and 84 (57-94) for PPAQ. In mothers, a significant, moderate, positive correlation was found between the median scores of MSPSS and RDAS (r = .521; p < .001) and MAI (r = .362; p < .001). This relationship was also the same for the RDAS and MAI median scores (r = .299; p < .001). For fathers, a significant, low-level, positive correlation was found between median scores of MSPSS and RDAS (r = .53; p = .044) and PPAQ (r = .164; p = .031). A significant, moderate, positive correlation was also found between RDAS and PPAQ median scores (r = .468; p < .001). This study found that baby attachment increases with increasing social support for mothers and fathers and dyadic adjustment. In postnatal follow-ups, women's health nurses and midwives should assess the social support, dyadic adjustment, and attachment levels of mothers and fathers.

The metacognitive link between co-occurring intra- and interpersonal symptoms in major depression.

OBJECTIVES: Co-occurring symptoms in depressed people currently in a relationship are sometimes considered to be due to interpersonal variables like dyadic adjustment, or intrapersonal factors such as a lack of dispositional mindfulness. Recent theories of emotional distress have, however, proposed that metacognitive beliefs could be a better link between these frequently co-occurring symptoms in major depression. METHODS: In a French sample of depressed inpatients currently in a relationship (n=30), we conducted a mediation analysis to assess whether the score of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 mediated the relation between on the one side the Beck depression inventory and on the other side the dyadic adjustment scale, the Beck anxiety inventory, and the five facets mindfulness questionnaire. RESULTS: By using a multiple linear regression and the Sobel test, we found that the Metacognitions Questionnaire fully mediated the association of depression severity with both anxiety and the affectionate expression of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and partially mediated that of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire with depression severity. CONCLUSIONS: These results obtained in a clinical sample gave support for the mediating role of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs on some aspects of depressive symptomatology, as well as the likely metacognitive nature of important dispositional mindfulness facets. Limitations of this study are discussed, including its cross-sectional design as well as its sample size.

The use of psychological network analysis in informal dementia care: an empirical illustration.

Objective: Theoretical models in informal dementia care have been developed to understand how risk and protective factors interact to cause caregiver's distress. The development of psychological network analysis provides a rich complement to our current models, as explores how different variables (or nodes) are associated using graph theories. Methods: The present study explored the use of network analysis using data from 125 informal caregivers of their partner with dementia (PwD). The included variables were recipient's dependency, self-efficacy, conflict within the family, dyadic adjustment, and caregiver's distress. Results: The analysis suggests a complex network of interacting variables. The core variable was not the caregiver's distress but rather their dyadic adjustment with their PwD. Variables were associated with caregiver distress through a large array of direct and indirect pathways and were associated with each other in the form of an asymmetric spider's web.Conclusion: The results show the complex interplay of variables in a psychological network. The central role of distress suggests a complex and dynamic role, notably through a bidirectional influence with quality of interactions. In the same way, quality of interactions appeared as one of the strongest nodes, its connectivity suggesting a crucial role to consider in our models and interventions.

Effects of Surgical and Natural Menopause on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Dyadic Adjustment: A Descriptive and Comparative Study.

This study aimed to assess body image, self-esteem, and dyadic adjustment in surgically menopausal, naturally menopausal, and perimenopausal women. This descriptive and comparative study was conducted in the clinics and polyclinic of a university hospital with a total of 274 women: 91 in the surgical menopause, 91 in the natural menopause, and 92 in the perimenopause groups. An Individual Introduction Form, the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) were used for data collection. The women in the surgical menopause group had significantly higher mean scores for RSES and BCS and lower mean scores for DAS than the women in the natural menopause and perimenopause groups, with the higher BCS and RSES scores indicating lower self-esteem and body satisfaction. A weak negative correlation was found among dyadic adjustment, self-esteem, and body image of women in the surgical menopause group. Results showed that body image, self-esteem, and dyadic adjustment in menopausal women were impaired. This impairment was greater in the surgical menopause group than in the natural menopause group. Additionally, the presence of comorbid chronic diseases, less education, and being overweight negatively affected dyadic adjustment in women. Clinicians' awareness of the importance of the psychological aspects of menopause and the difference in the effects of menopause transition on mental well-being (body image, self-esteem, and marital harmony) according to the occurrence of menopause will enable them to help patients cope more easily with this process.

Construct Validity of the Brazilian Version of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale / Validação de Construto da Versão Brasileira da Dyadic Adjustment Scale

Abstract This study sought evidence of construct validity for the Brazilian versions of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. A total of 448 individuals participated in the research, 253 women and 195 men from several regions of Brazil who had been cohabiting with their marital partners for an average of 14.7 years. Several proposed models for the measure were tested in Structural Equation Modeling. In the Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the four-factor and hierarchical models of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale showed good overall adjustments. Evidence of factor, convergent, and discriminant validity were also found. Composite reliability revealed adequate levels of internal consistency. The Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated a strong measurement invariance model for men and women.

Resumo Este estudo verificou evidências de validade de construto para as versões brasileiras da Dyadic Adjustment Scale e da Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Participaram da pesquisa 448 indivíduos, 253 mulheres e 195 homens de diversas regiões nacionais que coabitavam com seus parceiros conjugais há 14,7 anos, em média. Na Análise Fatorial Confirmatória, foram testados seis modelos anteriormente propostos para a medida. Entre eles, quatro fatores correlacionados e hierárquico multidimensional da Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale apresentaram os melhores ajustes gerais. Foram encontradas evidências de validades fatorial, convergente e discriminante e níveis adequados de consistência interna por meio da confiabilidade composta. Também foi demonstrada a invariância de medida forte do modelo da RDAS entre homens e mulheres.

Dyadic adjustment and the relationship between sexual self-consciousness and sexual dysfunction in individuals with spinal cord injuries: A descriptive study.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the dyadic adjustment between individuals with SCI and their spouses and the relationship between their sexual self-consciousness and sexual life and to evaluate it according to the objectification theory. METHOD: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 131 married individuals with SCI registered in the physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic of a university hospital between February 2020 and April 2021. The data of the study were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (ASIA), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale (SSCS), and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). In the study, the predictors of the sexual life of individuals with SCI were evaluated with the Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression analysis. In addition, predictors of sexual dysfunction in individuals with SCI were evaluated by the logistic regression analysis. The results were discussed within the framework of objectification theory. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, .67.2% of the individuals with spinal cord injuries experienced sexual functionality problems; increased age, falling injuries, and being in ASIA grade A increased sexual self-awareness and sexual dysfunction; and being a male with SCI increased sexual focus. It was found that the adjustment between individuals with SCI and their spouses was a predictor that significantly reduced sexual embarrassment, sexual self-consciousness, and sexual dysfunction and that the strong adjustment between couples was an important factor for the prevention of sexual dysfunction development. CONCLUSION: It was found that most individuals with spinal cord injuries experienced sexual dysfunction. The importance of dyadic adjustment and sexual self-consciousness has come to the fore in the sexual life of these individuals.

Communal coping and its association with marital relations and psychological outcomes among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Communal coping is a type of interdependency in which couples dealing with a health threat share assessment of a threat and respond together to the stress. The present study investigated communal coping in the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with psychological and relational outcomes among healthcare professionals. Methods: In the present cross-sectional survey study, 242 healthcare professionals from hospitals and health centers were recruited via convenience sampling between August and October 2020. Communal coping with working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, dyadic adjustment, psychological distress, and fear of COVID-19 along with demographic and professional characteristics were assessed via an online survey. Results: Multivariable linear regression showed that dyadic adjustment (ß = 0.73), psychological distress (ß = 0.16), fear of COVID-19 (ß = 0.11), and support gap (ß = -0.04) were significant independent variables associated with communal coping among healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals coped communally within the family in dealing with working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dyadic adjustment was the strongest predictor of communal coping among healthcare professionals.