The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Dyadic version: A new tool for the evaluation of the dyadic dysregulation in couple relationships.

A new measure for assessing an individual's perception of the dyadic difficulties in emotion regulation with a romantic partner is tested. The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Dyadic (DERS-D) was obtained by adapting some items of the previous Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to the dyadic context. The scale was administered both to a sample of university students (N = 835) to explore its factorial structure and to a convenience sample (N = 833) together with the DERS, the DERS-Positive, the Emotion Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ), and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) to confirm the factorial structure and to explore its construct validity. Results highlight that DERS-D measures two distinct features, namely the lack of dyadic awareness and the lack of dyadic clarity, and that configural invariance across genders was met. DERS-D subscales' internal consistency was high. The correlations between the DERS-D and the other measures demonstrated its construct and criterion validity. The promising nature of these results is discussed in light of the potential clinical and empirical uses of the DERS-D.

Toward a culturally sensitive application of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: A qualitative study of therapists' experience using EFT in Spanish-speaking countries/cultures.

The purpose of the current study was to identify specific ways Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT; S. Johnson) could be adapted to better meet the needs of clients in Spanish-speaking countries throughout Europe and the Americas. The results were drawn from responses to a qualitative questionnaire regarding the experiences of learning and applying EFT; 103 therapists in 12 different countries where Spanish is spoken responded to the survey. Overall, the results suggest that the therapists surveyed consider EFT to be a "good fit" for many Spanish-speaking clients because of its focus on emotion, attachment theory, close interpersonal relationships, and model-specific interventions that match cultural values. Participants suggested a few culture-specific modifications regarding how to access and process emotion with men in therapy, translation of key EFT concepts and phrases into Spanish, and navigating the intersection of two cultural values (respeto and personalismo). Fewer modifications were suggested by therapists as they discussed application of the model than while learning it.

Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of sexual dysfunction in couples using a biopsychosocial model.

BACKGROUND: Given the complexity of the psychological and biological pathologies associated with sexual dysfunction, which affects at least a third of adult women and men worldwide, a multidisciplinary approach has been advocated. AIM: To assess sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, and mood stability pre- and post- treatment at the Loyola University Sexual Wellness Program. METHODS: Couples attending the 6-week multidisciplinary Sexual Wellness Program provided consent and completed pre- and post- intervention assessments. Linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the mean change from baseline to first follow-up. A covariance matrix was used to account for dependency. OUTCOMES: All patients completed self-reported surveys: Dyadic Adjustment Scale, PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Brief Profile (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information), and International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: There were 85 respondents: 42 men and 43 women. The mean age was 49.82 years (range, 25-77). The largest improvement was on the total Dyadic Adjustment Scale score, which increased by approximately 5.18 points (95% CI, 2.55-7.81). PROMIS scores for global satisfaction with sex life, erectile function, and interest in sexual activity significantly increased from baseline, while the vaginal discomfort score significantly declined. Overall the score for global satisfaction with sex life increased from baseline by approximately 5.57 points (95% CI, 3.03-8.10). On average, men reported a 4.33-point increase (95% CI, 0.04-8.62) in their International Index of Erectile Function score from baseline. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A multidisciplinary treatment approach focused on the couple positively affects a couple's relationship, including global satisfaction with sex life, relationship satisfaction, interest in sexual activity, and erectile function. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study is one of the few to document the effects of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for both members of a heterosexual couple-male and female. Limitations include the narrow demographics and lack of a control group in our population. Furthermore, this was completed at 1 academic center. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize that multidisciplinary sexual therapy programs aimed at the couple can help address multiple aspects of sexual well-being.

Culturally humble and anti-racist couple and family interventions for African Americans.

Anti-Black racism including structural racism and racism-related disparities have come to the foreground in recent years with the increasingly frequent and brutal police killings of innocent African Americans, the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on the Black community, and the effectiveness of the Black Lives Matter movement. There have been calls to action to ensure cultural effectiveness of couples and family therapy for African Americans. As one response to these calls, this article provides recommendations for culturally humble and anti-racist couple and family interventions. These best practices focus on the necessity of embracing a systemic stance and a strengths-based culturally responsive lens when assessing and intervening with African American couples and families. They focus on the need for therapists to be intentional about and consistent in engaging in self-exploration and taking the necessary steps to be not just competent but also capable. The final set of best practices detailed relate to assessing and intervening using a strengths-based approach in a culturally responsive, anti-racist, and socially attuned fashion. The article concludes with recommendations for couple/family therapists to develop a critical consciousness, engage in anti-racist practices, and address oppression while advancing healing and liberation, all of which are essential to ensuring the resilience and well-being of African American couples and families.

The effect of therapists' enactment interventions in promoting vulnerability sharing in emotion focused couple therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purported change process in emotion-focused therapy for couples (EFT-C) involves partners accessing and revealing their underlying vulnerable emotions and responding empathically when their partners disclose their vulnerable emotions. One main intervention to facilitate vulnerability sharing is enactment - guiding partners to interact directly with each other. The objective of the current study was to identify interventions therapists can use to help partners share vulnerability in the context of enactment. The primary hypothesis of this study was that promoting these interventions would lead to more vulnerability expressions during enactments. METHOD: One hundred and five vulnerability enactment events were identified from videod therapy sessions of 33 couples dealing with a significant emotional injury who received 12 sessions of EFT-C. Four therapists' interventions were coded: setting a meaningful systemic context, promoting the revealing partner's emotional engagement, preparing the revealing partner for enactment, and promoting the listening partner's emotional engagement in the enactment. In addition, vulnerability expression was coded. RESULTS: Multilevel regression models showed that two interventions were significantly associated with greater levels of expressed vulnerability: setting a meaningful systemic context, and preparing the revealing partner for enactment. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that therapists can facilitated vulnerability sharing using specific preparatory interventions.

Systemic Obstacles to Addressing Research Misconduct in Higher Education: A Case Study.

Several widely publicized incidents of academic research misconduct, combined with the politicization of the role of science in public health and policy discourse (e.g., COVID, immunizations) threaten to undermine faith in the integrity of empirical research. Researchers often maintain that peer-review and study replication allow the field to self-police and self-correct; however, stark disparities between official reports of academic research misconduct and self-reports of academic researchers, specifically with regard to data fabrication, belie this argument. Further, systemic imperatives in academic settings often incentivize institutional responses that focus on minimizing reputational harm rather than the impact of fabricated data on the integrity of extant and future research.

How do general practitioners handle couple relationship problems in consultations? A focus group study.

BACKGROUND: Couple relationship problems are common and associated with health problems. The aim of this study was to explore general practitioners' (GPs') experiences, expectations, and educational needs when dealing with couple relationship problems in consultations. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study by carrying out 3 semistructured focus group interviews with 18 GPs. We used systematic text condensation for the analyses. RESULTS: Participants shared their experiences of handling couple relationship problems in consultations. Three main themes emerged: (i) pragmatic case-finding: golden opportunities to reveal patients' couple relationship problems; (ii) conceptual and role confusion; (iii) professional competence and personal experience. While issues in relationships could serve as an explanation for relevant clinical problems, some GPs questioned whether relationship issues are strictly medical. All participants had engaged in individual supportive therapy, but none saw themselves as therapists. The interviews revealed that an individual supportive focus might lead to a consolidation of 1 partner's view, rather than challenging their position. Long-term doctor-patient relationships made it easier to talk about these issues. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed several paradoxes. GPs are confident in offering individual supportive therapy for couple relationship issues but should be aware of substantial pitfalls such as side-taking and constraining change. Despite dealing with relationship problems, GPs do not see themselves as therapists. They use professional and personal experience but would benefit from increasing their skills in cognitive restructuring promoting behavioural flexibility facing relationship problems.

Couple relationship problems are common and often raised in general practitioner (GP) consultations as they are associated with health problems. We lack knowledge about what experiences, expectations, and educational needs GPs have when dealing with these problems. In 2020, we interviewed 18 GPs about how they handle couple relationship problems in their practice. Three main themes emerged: (i) Patients seldom present their relationship as the main problem. GPs conduct pragmatic case-finding to reveal relational problems that might be connected to, or be a risk factor for, health problems. (ii) GPs deal with couple relationship problems in several ways. Some think that they are not a medical problem, while others take a more holistic approach. In both cases, GPs lack the tools to assess couple relationship problems and to offer brief interventions. (iii) The most experienced doctors emphasized that their professional and personal experience qualified them to support their patients. Continuity in the doctor­patient relationship was also considered important. We revealed that taking a biopsychosocial approach can be challenged by searching for biomedical causes for problems. GPs should be aware of the pitfalls of individual supportive therapy in dealing with couple relationship issues, such as taking sides and impeding change.

Behavioral couples therapy for brain injury: single case methodology with bi-phasic design.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the outcomes of Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) for couples with brain injury. BACKGROUND: Brain injury can result in communication, emotional and behavioral disturbances, leading to higher levels of depression, anxiety and relationship distress. Currently, no study has explored the outcomes of BCT in couples impacted by brain injury. METHOD: Four heterosexual couples living with brain injury were seen at a specialist outpatient service, and attended an average of 13 (range 8-25) BCT sessions. Participants with brain injury and their partners completed weekly measures of depression, anxiety, and couple satisfaction throughout baseline, assessment, intervention, and follow-up phases. Data were visually analyzed, and effects examined using reliable change analysis, and between-phase comparison conducted using Tau-U. RESULTS: Tau-U analysis demonstrated that both the patient and partner groups experienced significant overall improvement in relationship satisfaction and anxiety. Partners also reported significant reduction in depression scores overall. Reliable change analysis indicated improvement for some individual patients and partners, with effects maintained at follow-up in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results offer promising results regarding the use of BCT for brain injury in increasing relationship satisfaction and reducing psychological distress. Further investigation is warranted.

Sexual intimacy and aging: An integrative framework to promote intimacy resilience in couple therapy.

In our work at the Intimacies Project at The Ackerman Institute for the Family we became aware of a gap in attention about sexuality and aging in the couple and family therapy field. In this article, we provide an integrative framework to guide therapists on how to address problems of sexuality and aging in the therapy room. Starting from considerations about the social context of aging and the self of the therapist, we contend that when normative sexual challenges become entangled with stigma, misconceptions about sexuality, limiting gender narratives, vulnerabilities, and defensive postures, they often result in emotional and sexual shutdowns. Through a combination of the vulnerability cycle with an expansive definition of sexuality, we demonstrate how we deconstruct impasses, disentangle normative quandaries from reactive dynamics, and help couples transform their sexual narratives. We outline how we conduct individual sessions to obtain relational sexual histories, utilize Sensate Focus as a mindful touch exercise, and help partners expand their sexual menus beyond penetration and orgasms. We also describe relational skills that may need to be strengthened to help aging couples deal with the ebb and flow of intimacy, sustaining resilience over time.

Couples Therapists' Attitudes Toward Online Therapy During the COVID-19 Crisis.

The measures adopted by governments around the world to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus (e.g., social distancing) have propelled a rapid transition from face-to-face to online therapy. Studies on online individual therapy indicate that therapists often have favorable attitudes toward this modality. To date, there is scant work on couples therapists' attitudes, despite the fact that the provision of online couples' therapy poses unique challenges (e.g., dealing with escalating conflict remotely). To provide a snapshot, in real time, as to how therapists experience the transition to online therapy, we surveyed 166 Israeli couples' therapists during April 2020, when lockdown orders prevented therapists from seeing couples face-to-face. A few weeks later, when the stay-at-home policy was lifted, a subsample (N = 60) of these therapists completed a follow-up assessment. The results suggest that couples therapists had limited experience using the online modality prior to COVID. The therapists reported experiencing online couples' therapy as somewhat successful and that their experience of providing therapy during the COVID-19 crisis had an overall positive impact on their attitudes toward online work. Establishing a strong therapeutic bond with both partners, dealing with escalating conflict, and treatment dropout were identified as the issues of most concern when conducting online couples therapy. The perceived difficulties with online therapy prospectively predicted lower usage of online couples' therapy, as well as less intention to continue online treatment once the crisis is over.

Las medidas adoptadas por los gobiernos de todo el mundo para controlar la propagación del virus de la COVID-19 (p. ej.: el distanciamiento social) han impulsado una transición rápida de la terapia presencial a la terapia virtual. Los estudios sobre la terapia individual virtual indican que los terapeutas con frecuencia tienen actitudes favorables hacia esta modalidad. Hasta la fecha, los trabajos sobre las actitudes de los terapeutas de pareja son escasos, a pesar del hecho de que la práctica de la terapia de pareja virtual plantea desafíos únicos (p. ej.: manejar la intensificación del conflicto distancia). Para ofrecer un panorama en tiempo real sobre cómo viven los terapeutas la transición a la terapia virtual, encuestamos a 166 terapeutas de pareja israelíes durante abril de 2020, cuando las órdenes de confinamiento impidieron a los terapeutas ver a las parejas en persona. Algunas semanas después, cuando se levantó la orden de quedarse en casa, una submuestra (N=60) de estos terapeutas completó una evaluación de seguimiento. Los resultados sugieren que los terapeutas de pareja tenían poca experiencia en el uso de la modalidad virtual antes de la COVID-19. Los terapeutas informaron que vivieron la terapia de pareja virtual como bastante favorable y que su experiencia de ofrecer terapia durante la crisis de la COVID-19 tuvo un efecto general positivo en sus actitudes hacia el trabajo virtual. Los problemas identificados como los de mayor preocupación a la hora de ofrecer terapia de pareja virtual fueron los siguientes: la construcción de un vínculo terapéutico sólido con ambos integrantes de la pareja, el manejo de la intensificación del conflicto y el abandono del tratamiento. Las dificultades percibidas con la terapia virtual predijeron prospectivamente un menor uso de la terapia de pareja virtual, así como menos intenciones de continuar el tratamiento virtual una vez que termine la crisis.

Mechanisms and moderators of behavioural couples therapy for alcohol and substance use disorders: an updated review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Behavioural couples therapy (BCT) and alcohol behavioural couples therapy (ABCT) are couples-based interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) that have been deemed a 'gold standard' treatment. Despite the substantial amount of promising research, there is a lack of research on the active components of treatment and treatment mechanisms and moderators. Since the most recent meta-analysis, a number of studies have been conducted that advance our understanding of the efficacy of BCT and ABCT. AIMS: The purpose of the present review was to provide an update on the current knowledge of these treatments and to investigate mediators and moderators of treatment. METHOD: A systematic search strategy of relevant databases from 2008 to 2021 identified 20 relevant articles that were coded for relevant information including study design, treatment, outcomes, as well as mechanisms and moderators. RESULTS: The results indicated that BCT and ABCT are successful in reducing alcohol and substance use for both male and female clients, dual problem couples, and for reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms and intimate partner violence. The reviewed studies discussed a number of treatment mechanisms, with the most studied mechanism being relationship functioning. Moderators included relationship functioning and patient gender. CONCLUSIONS: The results point to the need for additional research on active treatment components, mechanisms and moderators, in order to provide a more efficient and cost-effective treatment.

Piloting the feasibility of delivering Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy online to military veterans and partners.

Cognitive-Behavior Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD has demonstrated efficacy among military couples in which the veteran is experiencing PTSD. Yet, no studies to date have investigated delivering CBCT online. This brief report aims to describe the feasibility of delivering CBCT online to UK military couples. Six military veterans and their partners received CBCT, delivered using an online video platform. They completed mental health measures at the start and end of treatment as well as 12-weeks follow-up. Data trends suggested reduced psychological distress and trauma symptoms as well as increased wellbeing of veterans and partners. On the individual level, most veterans (83.3%) demonstrated clinically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms. Therapist reflections suggested client acceptability of treatment and highlighted considerations for delivering CBCT online. Clinical implications and the need for further empirical investigation of online-delivered CBCT are discussed.

A Multimethod Investigation of Sex, Romantic Relationships, and Interpersonal Dependency.

An individual's level of interpersonal dependency influences the way they engage with others, and researchers have achieved a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between dependency and interpersonal relationships across an array of social situations. This knowledge has improved the efficacy of medical and psychotherapeutic work with dependent clients and has informed approaches taken to reduce the societal costs of dependent personality disorder (e.g., increased risk for suicide and self-harm, perpetration of child abuse, perpetration of domestic violence, victimization by a partner, and physical illness). Relatively little research, however, has explored dependency's links to sexual activity and sexual functioning, the findings of which stand to offer knowledge valuable to sex counseling, couples therapy, sexual health, and our overall understanding of sexuality. The current study utilized a multimethod research design to explore dependency as it relates to sexual and romantic relationships and sexual activity. Multiple associations emerged between dependency, both interpersonal dependency and a healthy variant of dependency, and sexual activity. Based upon these findings and contemporary literature, an initial discussion of some of the therapeutic implications of this knowledge and suggestions for working with dependent clients are offered.

Dose spouses' coping skills promote qol and dyadic coping of menopausal women?

Lack of menopausal knowledge damages the quality of life (QoL) and couples' relationships. A new approach to prevent marital distress based upon stress and coping has introduced Couples Coping Enhancement Training (CCET). The present study assessed the effect of menopause care training using CCET approach on QoL and coping in menopausal women. This educational interventional study was conducted in 2019 on 80 postmenopausal women and their spouses. The couples were randomly selected from health care centers using the cluster random sampling method and were divided into control and intervention groups. Four training sessions were held for the intervention group. Data were collected using The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire, menopausal knowledge questionnaire, and Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) and were analyzed using independent Sample t-test, Paired Sample T-Test, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in SPSS version 25 and Amos version 21 software. At the beginning of the study, there was no significant difference in menopausal knowledge, QoL, and dyadic coping between the two groups. However, the CCET approach significantly increased menopausal knowledge, coping in couples and women's QoL in the intervention group compared to the control group. CCET can help couples to cope with menopausal symptoms more efficiently.

Case Examples and Process-Oriented Questions in Teletherapy with Couples and Families.

This paper shares learned experiences in teletherapy (also called tele-mental-health, remote video therapy, and virtual therapy) with couples and families. It aims to enhance teletherapy practice with couples and families by providing tools for screening and coaching. The paper describes common pitfalls in teletherapy with couples and families and how to avoid or address them, describes the opportunities for added insight when engaging couples and families in teletherapy from their homes, provides concrete interventions in the form of process-focused questions which therapists can draw from, and provides case examples. The case examples and process-oriented questions focus on four areas: screening, logistical coaching of technology, using the family's meeting place to learn about the family, and avoiding pitfalls.

En este artículo se comparten experiencias aprendidas en la teleterapia (también llamada telesalud mental, videoterapia a distancia y terapia virtual) con parejas y familias. Tiene como finalidad mejorar la práctica de la teleterapia con las parejas y las familias proporcionando herramientas para evaluar y orientar. El artículo describe las dificultades comunes en la teleterapia con parejas y familias, y cómo evitarlas o abordarlas; describe las oportunidades de sumar percepciones cuando se hace participar a las parejas y a las familias en teleterapia desde sus hogares; proporciona intervenciones concretas en forma de preguntas centradas en el proceso de las cuales los terapeutas pueden valerse; y ofrece estudios de casos. Estos estudios de casos y preguntas orientadas al proceso se centran en cuatro áreas: evaluación, instrucción logística sobre la tecnología, uso del espacio de reunión de la familia para conocer a la familia, y prevención de inconvenientes.

Treatment of Low Sexual Desire or Frequency Using a Sexual Enhancement Group Couples Therapy Approach.

BACKGROUND: Sexual desire or frequency problems are exceedingly common, but treatment of them has been less than effective. AIM: The goal of this study was to develop a cost-effective, accessible intervention to deal with sexual desire or frequency problems, including sexual desire discrepancy, by enhancing the quality of couples' erotic intimacy. METHODS: 45 couples (38 heterosexual and 7 same-sex couples) distressed by sexual desire or frequency problems were seen in a 16-hour, group couples therapy intervention. Participants completed the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS) at pretest, posttest, and at 6-month follow-up. OUTCOMES: The NSSS plus 3 additional items at pretest, posttest, and at 6-month follow-up and patients' written feedback. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between pre-tests and post-tests in satisfaction with intensity of sexual arousal; creativity; frequency; sexual functioning; partner's sexual availability; partner's initiation of sexual activity; emotional opening up during sex; positive sexual reactions to the partner; communication of sexual wishes, preferences and desires; and balance between giving and receiving during sex. The largest improvement and effect sizes were found in overall satisfaction with one's sex life from pre-test to post-test and 6-month follow-up. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Low sexual desire or frequency problems can be treated effectively by enhancing the quality of the couple's erotic connection, thereby creating desirable sex. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The strengths include the combination of quantitative and qualitative data. Limitations included the small number of same-sex couples. CONCLUSION: Sexual enhancement group couples therapy provides an effective, accessible, and affordable approach to low desire or frequency complaints in distressed couples. Kleinplatz PJ, Charest M, Paradis N, et al. Treatment of Low Sexual Desire or Frequency Using a Sexual Enhancement Group Couples Therapy Approach. J Sex Med 2020;17:1288-1296.

Dyadic Psychosocial eHealth Interventions: Systematic Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Dyadic psychosocial interventions have been found beneficial both for people coping with mental or physical health conditions as well as their family members and friends who provide them with support. Delivering these interventions via electronic health (eHealth) may help increase their scalability. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to provide the first comprehensive overview of dyadic eHealth interventions for individuals of all ages affected by mental or physical illness and their family members or friends who support them. The goal was to understand how dyadic eHealth interventions have been used and to highlight areas of research needed to advance dyadic eHealth intervention development and dissemination. METHODS: A comprehensive electronic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO was conducted for articles published in the English language through March 2019. Eligible records described a psychosocial eHealth intervention that intervened with both care recipients and their support person. RESULTS: A total of 7113 records were reviewed of which 101 met eligibility criteria. There were 52 unique dyadic eHealth interventions identified, which were tested across 73 different trials. Of the unique interventions, 33 were conducted among dyads of children and their supporting parent, 1 was conducted with an adolescent-young adult care recipient population, and the remaining 18 were conducted among adult dyads. Interventions targeting pediatric dyads most commonly addressed a mental health condition (n=10); interventions targeting adult dyads most commonly addressed cancer (n=9). More than three-fourths of interventions (n=40) required some human support from research staff or clinicians. Most studies (n=64) specified one or more primary outcomes for care recipients, whereas less than one-fourth (n=22) specified primary outcomes for support persons. Where specified, primary outcomes were most commonly self-reported psychosocial or health factors for both care recipients (n=43) and support persons (n=18). Results of the dyadic eHealth intervention tended to be positive for care recipients, but evidence of effects for support persons was limited because of few studies specifying primary outcomes for supporters. Trials of dyadic eHealth interventions were most commonly randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n=44), and RCTs most commonly compared the dyadic eHealth intervention to usual care alone (n=22). CONCLUSIONS: This first comprehensive review of dyadic eHealth interventions demonstrates that there is substantial, diverse, and growing literature supporting this interventional approach. However, several significant gaps were identified. Few studies were designed to evaluate the unique effects of dyadic interventions relative to individual interventions. There was also limited assessment and reporting of outcomes for support persons, and there were no interventions meeting our eligibility criteria specifically targeting the needs of older adult dyads. Findings highlight areas of research opportunities for developing dyadic eHealth interventions for novel populations and for increasing access to dyadic care.

Helping Couples in the Shadow of COVID-19.

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (coronavirus) and the associated illness, COVID-19, has caused a level of worldwide upheaval unlike any most people now living have seen in their lifetimes. This crisis affects people in their most important, committed, and intimate relationships. Although this crisis has damaged the health and well-being of individuals, crushed economies, and led to an extensive period of uncertainty about the future, there may also be positive outcomes in the motivation people have to protect their relationships. In this paper, we focus on strategies that therapists and relationship educators can use to help couples preserve and protect their relationships during such a time. We describe four foundations of safety that allow relationships to thrive: physical, emotional, commitment, and community. We then highlight three keys from our body of work that can help guide individuals and couples in protecting their relationships on a day-to-day and moment-to-moment basis: (1) decide, don't slide; (2) make it safe to connect; (3) do your part.

La pandemia causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) y la enfermedad asociada, COVID-19, ha causado un nivel de agitación mundial jamás visto en las vidas de la mayoría de las personas ahora vivas. Esta crisis afecta a las personas en sus relaciones más importantes, comprometidas e íntimas. Aunque esta crisis ha dañado la salud y el bienestar de las personas, destrozado las economías y llevado a un periodo extenso de incertidumbre acerca del futuro, también puede haber tenido consecuencias positivas en la motivación que tienen las personas para proteger sus relaciones. En este artículo, nos centramos en estrategias que los terapeutas y los capacitadores en relaciones pueden usar para ayudar a las parejas a preservar y proteger sus relaciones durante este tiempo. Describimos cuatro bases de seguridad que permiten que las relaciones prosperen: física, emocional, comprometida y comunitaria. Luego destacamos tres claves de nuestro trabajo que pueden contribuir a guiar a las personas y a las parejas a la hora de proteger sus relaciones día a día, momento a momento: 1) Decida, no haga cosas sin elegirlas 2) Encárguese de que sea seguro conectarse. 3) Haga su parte.

The Black Lives Matter Movement: A Call to Action for Couple and Family Therapists.

The frequent police killings during the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reckoning among Americans from all backgrounds and propelled the Black Lives Matter movement into a global force. This manuscript addresses major issues to aid practitioners in the effective treatment of African Americans via the lens of Critical Race Theory and the Bioecological Model. We place the impacts of racism on Black families in historical context and outline the sources of Black family resilience. We critique structural racism embedded in all aspects of psychology and allied fields. We provide an overview of racial socialization and related issues affecting the parenting decisions in Black families, as well as a detailed overview of impacts of structural racism on couple dynamics. Recommendations are made for engaging racial issues in therapy, providing emotional support and validation to couples and families experiencing discrimination and racial trauma, and using Black cultural strengths as therapeutic resources.

Las frecuentes muertes a manos de la policía durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 obligaron a los estadounidenses de todos los orígenes a hacer una evaluación e impulsaron el movimiento Black Lives Matter hasta convertirlo en una fuerza mundial. Este manuscrito aborda las cuestiones principales con el fin de ayudar a los profesionales en el tratamiento eficaz de los afroestadounidenses desde la perspectiva de la teoría crítica de la raza y el modelo bioecológico. Ubicamos los efectos del racismo en las familias negras en un contexto histórico y describimos las fuentes de resiliencia de estas familias. Analizamos el racismo estructural incorporado en todos los aspectos de la psicología y en áreas afines. Ofrecemos un resumen de la socialización racial y de cuestiones relacionadas que afectan las decisiones de crianza en las familias negras, así como un panorama detallado de los efectos del racismo estructural en la dinámica de pareja. Se dan recomendaciones para integrar las cuestiones raciales en la terapia, brindar apoyo emocional y validación a parejas y familias que sufren discriminación y trauma racial, y usar las ventajas culturales de las personas de color como recursos terapéuticos.

Unequally into "Us": Characteristics of Individuals in Asymmetrically Committed Relationships.

This study examined characteristics of individuals that are associated with being in asymmetrically committed relationships (ACRs), defined as romantic relationships in which there was a substantial difference in the commitment levels of the partners. These ACRs were studied in a national sample of unmarried, opposite-sex romantic relationships (N = 315 couples). Perceiving oneself as having more potential alternative partners was associated with increased odds of being the less committed partner in an ACR compared to not being in an ACR, as was being more attachment avoidant, having more prior relationship partners, and having a history of extradyadic sex during the present relationship. Additionally, having parents who never married was associated with being the less committed partner in an ACR but parental divorce was not. Although fewer characteristics were associated with being the more committed partner within an ACR, more attachment anxiety was associated with increased odds of being in such a position compared to not being in an ACR. We also address how some findings change when controlling for commitment levels. Overall, the findings advance understanding of commitment in romantic relationships, particularly when there are substantial asymmetries involved. Implications for both research on asymmetrical commitment as well as practice (e.g., therapy or relationship education) are discussed.

Este estudio examinó características de individuos que se encuentran en relaciones comprometidas asimétricamente (RCA), definidas como relaciones románticas en las que hay una diferencia significativa en los niveles de compromiso de cada pareja. Estas RCA fueron estudiadas en una muestra nacional de relaciones románticas solteras con el sexo opuesto (N = 315 parejas). La autopercepción de tener más alternativas posibles de parejas se asoció a una probabilidad mayor de ser la pareja menos comprometida en una RCA en comparación con no estar en una RCA, así como de evitar más los apegos, tener más parejas previas, y tener un historial de sexo extradiádico durante la relación actual. Además, tener padres que nunca se casaron se asoció a ser la pareja menos comprometida en una RCA, pero no así el divorcio de los padres. Aunque se asociaron menos características a ser la pareja más comprometida en una RCA, se asoció más ansiedad de apego a una probabilidad mayor de encontrarse en dicha posición en comparación con no estar en una RCA. También abordamos el tema de cómo cambian algunos hallazgos al controlar niveles de compromiso. En conjunto, los hallazgos avanzan el entendimiento del compromiso en relaciones románticas, especialmente cuando incluye asimetrías significativas. Se discuten las implicaciones tanto para la investigación del compromiso asimétrico así como la práctica (p.ej. terapia o educación de relaciones).