The role of emotional dysregulation in the association between family-of-origin conflict and romantic relationship maintenance.

Family-of-origin systems are consequential for the emotional well-being of offspring. These influences are likely to last into adulthood, affecting adult children's romantic relationships. The mechanisms by which family-of-origin environments influence adult romantic relationships are not fully understood. In a sample of 118 different-sex couples, we tested the effects of negative family-of-origin conflict on adult offspring's provision of relationship maintenance to their romantic partner using structural equation modeling. We evaluated emotional dysregulation as a mediator of this effect, using two measures of emotional dysregulation. Results from structural models demonstrated a negative effect of family-of-origin conflict on the provision of relationship maintenance via higher levels of emotional dysregulation. Our results highlight emotional self-regulation as a valuable intervention point for couple therapists.

Perpetuating and protective factors in insomnia across racial/ethnic groups of veterans.

Few studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in rates and correlates of insomnia among veterans. This study compared rates of insomnia and interest in sleep treatment among veterans of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. Consistent with the 3P model, we tested racial discrimination as a predictor of insomnia, with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and romantic partners as perpetuating and protective moderators of this association, respectively. A total of 325 veterans (N = 236 veterans of colour; 12% Asian, 36% Black, 14% Hispanic/Latine) completed questionnaires online from remote locations. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patterns across racial/ethnic groups. Linear regression was used to test moderators of the association between racial discrimination and insomnia severity. Overall, 68% of participants screened positive for insomnia: 90% of Asian; 79% of Hispanic/Latine; 65% of Black; and 58% of White participants. Of those, 74% reported interest in sleep treatment, and 76% of those with partners reported interest in including their partner in treatment. Racial discrimination and post-traumatic stress disorder were correlated with more severe insomnia, while romantic partners were correlated with less severe insomnia. Only post-traumatic stress disorder moderated the association between racial discrimination and insomnia severity. Rates of insomnia were highest among Asian and Hispanic/Latine participants, yet these groups were among the least likely to express interest in sleep treatment. Racial discrimination may exacerbate insomnia symptoms among veterans, but only among those who do not already have disturbed sleep in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder. Romantic partners may serve as a protective factor in insomnia, but do not seem to mitigate the impact of racial discrimination.

Translating Discovery Science. Fostering relationships: Service provider perspectives on community building among veteran families.

Objective: We sought to identify the social process through which communal support can be established among veteran couples and families. Background: On the basis of the social organization theory of action and change, a sense of community is crucial for military veterans' well-being and may serve as a resource for intervention. Method: We interviewed service providers (n = 8) and corroborated their perspectives by triangulating evaluations from veteran family participants (n = 143). Data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Results: Providers suggested promoting a sense of community in prevention and intervention programming by (a) establishing a safe and empowering space, (b) bridging existing gaps within family and community systems, and (c) encouraging interpersonal healing by promoting connection and facilitating the sharing of common experiences. Providers also described challenges to facilitating the program, including logistics, time, and funding constraints. Conclusion: According to our results, fostering community among veterans and their family members may be achieved by applying an integrative approach that goes beyond siloed individual, couple, and group therapy orchestrated by practitioners. Implications: We recommend multicomponent interventions that create synergy between different levels and forms of social support. Providers recommended being intentional about the program structure to focus on community strengths and shared connection.

Relationship Maintenance among Military Couples.

A burgeoning body of research on the relationship maintenance of military couples over the past two decades suggests the time is right to organize, assimilate, and critique the literature. We conducted a systematic review informed by the integrative model of relationship maintenance (Ogolsky et al., 2017) that considered issues of intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991). Our literature search identified 81 relevant journal articles representing 62 unique samples. With respect to theory, 59.3% of the journal articles employed one or more formal theoretical frameworks. In terms of research design, 88.7% of the studies focused on the U.S. military, 83.9% of the studies recruited convenience samples, 54.8% of the studies utilized quantitative methods, and 30.6% of the studies collected longitudinal data. Among the studies reporting sample demographics, 96.8% of participants were married, 77.2% of participants identified as non-Hispanic White, and only one same-sex relationship was represented. Our narrative synthesis integrated findings about relationship maintenance from studies examining (a) relationship maintenance overtly, (b) communicating to stay connected across the deployment cycle, (c) disclosure and protective buffering, (d) support from a partner, (e) dyadic coping, and (f) caregiving and accommodating a partner's symptoms. We interpret our results with an eye toward advancing theory, research, and practice.

Impact of discrimination and coping on Veterans' willingness to seek treatment for physical and mental health problems.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide insight into health disparities among Veterans by (a) documenting the prevalence of physical and mental health problems in a racially diverse sample of Veterans, (b) comparing Veterans' willingness to seek treatment for various physical and mental health conditions, and (c) examining the impact of discrimination and coping on willingness to seek treatment. METHOD: Veterans reported on current physical and mental health symptoms and the importance of treatment for various health conditions. Patterns were examined in the full sample (N = 334, 32% female) and the subsample who reported hazardous alcohol use in the past year (n = 116, 33% female). Linear regression was used to test alternative coping as a moderator of the association between experiences with discrimination and willingness to seek treatment among Veterans of color (n = 242, 37% female). RESULTS: Participants reported greater willingness to seek treatment for physical than mental health conditions. Sleep problems (75%) and substance use (74%) were the most prevalent health behaviors, but they were rated lowest in treatment importance. Among Veterans of color, everyday experiences with discrimination were generally associated with less willingness to seek physical or mental health treatment, but often only among those who denied use of coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans are least willing to seek treatment for the health conditions that are most prevalent in their communities. Coping strategies may mitigate the negative association between discriminatory experiences and willingness to seek treatment among Veterans of color. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The effects of discrimination and psychological distress on U.S. Latino/a young adults' relational uncertainty and relationship instability.

OBJECTIVES: Racial/ethnic discrimination is a common and salient stressor for many individuals. Although discrimination can impair personal and relational well-being, little is known about its influences on the process of considering dissolution (i.e., relationship instability). In two studies of Latino/a young adults, we examined associations among discrimination, psychological distress, relational uncertainty, and relationship instability. METHOD: Study 1 assessed self-reports of 475 participants aged 18-29 (60.2% female, Mage = 24.8, SD = 3.22). Study 2 examined self-reports of 462 participants aged 18-29 (40.9% female, Mage = 25.9, SD = 2.72). Structural equation models evaluated direct and indirect associations among study variables. RESULTS: Discrimination was associated with relationship instability, both directly and indirectly via its associations with psychological distress and, in Study 1, relational uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS: Overall results suggest that racial/ethnic discrimination is associated with romantic relationship instability through its associations with psychological distress and uncertainty about the future of a relationship. Prior research demonstrates the resilience of Latino/a communities, and our findings reinforce the need for policies and clinical resources that reduce discrimination and support mental health and relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Motives for and Barriers to Research Participation Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Veterans.

INTRODUCTION: Veterans in general-and especially those who identify as Veterans of color-are underrepresented in health-related treatment research. This contributes to health inequity by hindering the development of evidence-based treatment recommendations for people of color. This project utilized culturally centered research procedures to identify health-related research priorities and examine motives for and barriers to research participation in a diverse sample of Veterans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Veterans (N = 330, 32% female; 36% Black, 28% White, 15% Latinx, 12% Asian, 4% Multiracial) reported their experiences with and perspectives on health-related research online from remote locations. Linear regression was used to test associations between discrimination and motives/barriers for research. All procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board (#2033562). RESULTS: Participants identified psychological concerns, particularly PTSD, as research priorities for Veterans in their communities, but also prioritized physical problems (e.g., brain injury) and social concerns (e.g., homelessness, access to care). Perceptions of, motives for, and barriers to research were similar across racial/ethnic groups. The most common motive was contributing to research that seems important, and the most common barrier was not knowing about research opportunities. Every-day experiences with discrimination (e.g., people acting as if they are afraid of you because of your race/ethnicity) were associated with more barriers to research among Black participants. CONCLUSIONS: Experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination are associated with different research-related outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. Efforts to engage diverse populations should prioritize access to (not willingness to participate in) health-related research.

Perceived Experiences of Discrimination and Latino/a Young Adults' Personal and Relational Well-being.

US Latino/as experience high rates of discrimination, resulting in personal and relational distress. A sample of 238 Latino/a young adults (Mage = 25.37 years; 57.6% men; 54.4% Mexican) was used to investigate how perceived discrimination was associated with romantic relationship instability via young adults' depressive symptoms. The moderating roles of ethnic identity and romantic relationship maintenance on these associations were examined. Greater relationship maintenance and ethnic identity affirmation were associated with less depression and relationship instability. Under conditions of high ethnic identity exploration and resolution, the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms was stronger, leading to greater relationship instability. The findings reveal that the protective roles of cultural and relational factors may depend on the stressor and outcomes examined.

Personal well-being across the transition to marriage equality: A longitudinal analysis.

We examined the ways that federal, state, and local marriage recognition influence multiple domains of personal well-being of individuals in same-sex (n = 279) and different-sex (n = 266) relationships. Longitudinal data were collected across the transition to marriage equality (i.e., the U.S. Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges [2015] case decision, which resulted in same-sex marriage recognition federally). Prior to the ruling, levels of stigma and psychological distress were higher and family support was lower for individuals who were in same-sex (vs. different-sex) relationships. Levels of life satisfaction and family support were higher for those who were married (vs. not married). Levels of stigma and stress were lower and family support and life satisfaction were higher for those who lived in states that recognized same-sex marriage. A more supportive community climate was also associated with lower levels of stigma and stress and higher levels of family support than less supportive communities. Following the ruling, levels of stigma decreased over time, particularly for individuals in same-sex relationships, after accounting for state and local recognition. Levels of family support also increased, whereas support from friends decreased following the ruling. The findings of this study indicate that federal, state, and local marriage recognition play unique roles in changing the climate of discrimination for individuals in same-sex relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Integrative Intensive Retreats for Veteran Couples and Families: A Pilot Study Assessing Change in Relationship Adjustment, Posttraumatic Growth, and Trauma Symptoms.

We assessed a brief, systemic retreat-style intervention that was developed to address concerns about the utilization of services for veterans coping with traumatic stress. A total of 76 dyads (N = 152) were assessed before and after a 4-day retreat, which included psychoeducation, group and conjoint therapeutic sessions, and recreational relaxation components. Overall, participants reported a reduction in trauma symptoms, but only support persons experienced a significant increase in posttraumatic growth from pretest to posttest. Both veterans and their romantic partners reported an increase in relationship adjustment after the retreat. Opportunities to address the needs of this population by removing barriers to treatment and reducing feelings of isolation, as well as implications for similar treatments are discussed.