Doctor of Philosophy / School of Family Studies and Human Services / Amber V. Vennum / Sexual desire is important to personal and relational well-being but inevitably declines over time in committed relationships. Individuals, further, commonly report times when they desire more or less sex than their partners (desire discrepancy) which is negatively associated with both relationship and sexual satisfaction. How partner’s make meaning out of (i.e., attributions about their partner’s lower desire for sex) and respond (pursue, withdraw or engage) to moments of discrepant desire is likely influenced by the extent to which partners are able to maintain a clear sense of self in the context of physical and emotional closeness (i.e., their level of differentiation), although this has yet to be tested. Through two studies, I explored the types of attributions and behaviors in response to desire discrepancies and how negative attributions and behaviors mediate the link between differentiation and sexual desire. Specifically in Study 1, I analyzed open-ended responses from 463 participants, using deductive content analysis to examine types of negative attributions and behaviors in response to moments of desire discrepancy. In Study 2, using the findings from Study 1, I developed items to quantitatively measure specific negative attributions and behaviors in response to desire discrepancies. Using a sample of 511 participants, I refined the factor structure of the Desire Discrepancy Attributions and Behaviors Scale and used a path analysis to examine how differentiation is associated with sexual desire both directly and indirectly through negative attributions, emotions, and behaviors (pursue-withdraw). Results indicated that an individual’s level of differentiation is positively associated with sexual desire and this link is significantly mediated by negative attributions and certain negative behaviors. The clinical implications and areas for future research based on the findings of this study are discussed.

Na contemporaneidade, a violência é apontada e reconhecida como um problema social, relacional e de saúde, e se faz presente nas diversas formas de relações de intimidade entre os adolescentes, compreendidas por crush, \"pegar\", \"ficar\" ou namorar. A violência é um tema prioritário de atenção, uma vez que representa um problema social grave e impacta negativamente a saúde dos adolescentes. O presente trabalho visa analisar o sentido da violência nas relações de intimidade sob a ótica dos adolescentes, ancorada na perspectiva epistemológica e metodológica do Paradigma da Complexidade, de modo a contemplar todos os aspectos e dimensões que envolvem o fenômeno da violência na relação de intimidade, sejam sociais, históricos, culturais, gênero, econômicos, poder e psicológicos. Este estudo foi delineado em uma abordagem qualitativa do tipo pesquisa social estratégica, e teve como participantes 39 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos, frequentadores do ensino médio de duas escolas estaduais de um município do interior do estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas semiestruturadas, grupos focais e diários de campo, e analisados à luz do referido Paradigma. Os resultados indicaram (i) a aceitação da ocorrência de violência nos relacionamentos íntimos entre os adolescentes; (ii) a existência de questões relacionadas ao gênero e passividade frente à violência perpetrada por mulheres; (iii) a persistência de tabus na sociedade e a reprodução de questões estigmatizantes nos relatos dos participantes; (iv) a prevalência de violência psicológica e emocional entre os adolescentes, além da violência figurada bidirecional. Em suma, o Paradigma da Complexidade contribuiu de forma imprescindível para o desenvolvimento de um olhar integral sobre a temática, proporcionando maior clareza sobre os elementos que compõem o fenômeno, e principalmente, sobre a interdependência e interconectividade entre eles, de modo articulado e contextualizado. / In contemporary times, violence is identified and recognized as a social, relational and health problem, and it is present in the various forms of intimacy relations between adolescents, known as crush, \"getting\", \"staying\" or dating. Violence is a priority issue in care because it represents a severe social problem and negatively affects the adolescents\" health. The aim in this study is to analyze the meaning of intimate partner violence from the adolescents\" perspective, through the epistemological and methodological principles of the Paradigm of Complexity, so as to address all - such as social, historical, cultural, gender, economic, power and psychological - aspects and dimensions of the phenomenon of intimate partner violence. This study adopted a qualitative, social strategic research design, and its participants were 39 male and female adolescents who attended high school in two state schools located in an interior city in the state of São Paulo. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, focus groups and field diaries, and further analyzed in the light of the aforementioned Paradigm. The results indicated (i) acceptance of the occurrence of intimate partner violence between adolescents; (ii) existence of gender issues and passivity towards violence perpetrated by women; (iii) persistence of taboos in society and reproduction of stigmatizing issues in the participants\' reports; (iv) prevalence of psychological and emotional violence among the adolescents, in addition to the two-way figured violence. In summary, the Paradigm of Complexity offered essential contributions to develop a comprehensive view on the theme by shedding light on the elements that compose the phenomenon, and especially on the interdependence and interconnectivity between them, in an articulated and contextualized manner.

People of Chinese heritage often face complex challenges because of the conflicting values from China and America, especially on sexuality. Through two thousand years of socialization, Chinese culture grew to endorse conservative sexual values and gender roles. In traditional Chinese culture, women are expected to remain chaste and play submissive roles in marriage. Sexuality is treated as a taboo topic that should not be discussed directly. Asian American youth who endorse less traditional Chinese values experience lower sexual satisfaction, lower confidence in their own abilities, and higher adherence to traditional gender roles. Language has also been found to potentially influence how people engage in sexuality by triggering a mindset of Chinese or English culture background. The current study assessed ethnic identity and acculturation experiences as correlates of sexual and intimate interactions with partners among people with Chinese heritage, and how English and Chinese language are used in relationships. For men, more endorsement of traditional Chinese and mainstream American culture was associated with greater feelings of conflict in their cultural identity. Greater feelings of identity conflict linked to lower ability to effectively and assertively communicate with a partner on sexual topics. Men with higher feelings of identity conflict also reported higher double sexual standard. Women, on the other hand, did not report increased feelings of conflict as they endorsed Chinese and American cultures more strongly. Women's preference for English language was related to their ability to effectively and assertively communicate with partner on sexual topics, whereas men's preference for English language was related to greater communication with partner and lower double sexual standard. Moreover, language fluency was the strongest indicator of language preferences regardless of the contexts or the topics. When making decisions or expressing positive feelings to partner, participants considered a language more effective when they are more fluent in it. However, when expressing negative emotion or discussing sexual topic with partner, people tended to prefer English because English has clearer labels for emotions and sexual terms. In sum, cultural identity, acculturation experiences, and language proficiency all related to Chinese bilinguals' sexual and romantic attitudes and behaviors, although unique patterns emerged for men and women.

Childhood exposure to family violence is a risk factor for dysfunctional intimate relationships in adulthood (e.g., Fagan & Browne, 1994). Family violence research has commonly utilized Social Learning Theory to explain cross-generational patterns of family violence. However, not all individuals who experience a violent home environment become abusers or victims in their parental or marital roles (e.g., Duffy & Momirov, 1997), which illustrates resiliency - positive adaptation or development in spite of serious threats or significant adversity (Masten, 2001). Considering strengths and resources, rather than risks and vulnerabilities, is relatively new in the field of family violence. Consequently, a basic interpretive qualitative research design (Merriam, 2002) was utilized to investigate the experiences of three heterosexual women who self-identified as (a) having observed a pattern of interparental violence in childhood and (b) currently being in non-violent intimate adult relationships. The studys purpose was to describe and understand this phenomenon, with special attention given to identifying possible resiliency and protective factors. Interviews were conducted on multiple occasions and transcripts were analyzed in terms of Kearneys (2001) shared meaning and descriptive categories. The shared meaning involved the role of emotional work required, and the descriptive categories included five themes (i.e., Diverse Experiences of Family Violence, Family Violence is Always with You, Complex Daughter-Mother Relationships, Understanding and Making Sense of Healthy Relationships, and Sources of Strength and Positive Influences). Findings are described alongside implications for counselling practice and future research.

Childhood exposure to family violence is a risk factor for dysfunctional intimate relationships in adulthood (e.g., Fagan & Browne, 1994). Family violence research has commonly utilized Social Learning Theory to explain cross-generational patterns of family violence. However, not all individuals who experience a violent home environment become abusers or victims in their parental or marital roles (e.g., Duffy & Momirov, 1997), which illustrates resiliency - positive adaptation or development in spite of serious threats or significant adversity (Masten, 2001). Considering strengths and resources, rather than risks and vulnerabilities, is relatively new in the field of family violence. Consequently, a basic interpretive qualitative research design (Merriam, 2002) was utilized to investigate the experiences of three heterosexual women who self-identified as (a) having observed a pattern of interparental violence in childhood and (b) currently being in non-violent intimate adult relationships. The studys purpose was to describe and understand this phenomenon, with special attention given to identifying possible resiliency and protective factors. Interviews were conducted on multiple occasions and transcripts were analyzed in terms of Kearneys (2001) shared meaning and descriptive categories. The shared meaning involved the role of emotional work required, and the descriptive categories included five themes (i.e., Diverse Experiences of Family Violence, Family Violence is Always with You, Complex Daughter-Mother Relationships, Understanding and Making Sense of Healthy Relationships, and Sources of Strength and Positive Influences). Findings are described alongside implications for counselling practice and future research.

¡@¡@The study was undertook the engineers who involved in speed dating from technology industries, in an attempt to understand the masculinities and lifestyles shaped by workplace how to influence engineers from the workplace to speed dating domain, as well as the establishment of heterosexual relationships and management of intimate relationships. The researcher took masculinities as a way to analysis, from the male power and masculinities of the organization as a starting point, by interviewed with engineers to understand how the workplace shaped particular masculinities qualities in the organizations power, control, decision-making and payments. ¡@¡@In Taiwan, the high-tech industrial¡¦s engineers defined as the representatives of hegemonic masculinity by Connell (1995), they enjoyed a privileged position of cultural dominance as well as the relationships of gender order. Also, their professional identity was considered to be welcomed in the marriage market. The study¡¦s interviewers was based on engineers who has been participated in a speed dating activities, and found that engineers were lack of the ability to do intimate, and not good at dominant the topic. Therefore, they have to memorize a joke or to learn a talent so as to narrow the distance with the opposite sex, and then develop the special atmosphere of ¡§pick up a girl and fight side by side, ¡§and abandon the competence of masculine ranking between each other. ¡@¡@Finally, Giddens mentioned that in the discussion of heterosexual relationships and intimacies, the intimacy of modernity are becoming more and more plasticity and fluidity. However, to those busy on the work called ¡§High tech millionaires,¡¨ the ideal image for equal intimacy relationships was inappropriate. To high tech millionaires, the management of intimate relationships of the expectations and awareness in the public and private sector did not develop into so-called pure relationships by Giddens, corresponding to Jamieson¡¦s questioned that there are many changes or unchangeable factors which affect the management of intimate relationships in real life. Therefore, the researcher tries to analysis the attitude and imagination of the high tech millionaires to heterosexual relationships and management of intimate relationships, to understand how engineers from the masculine workplace and rational dominance transition to the fields of intimate relationships.

This study investigated the intrapersonal and interpersonal context of female dieting and partner support for dieting in 44 heterosexual couples. Participants completed questionnaires assessing self and relationship functioning, dieting levels and eating disordered attitudes, and weight-loss support frequency and helpfulness, in both a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. As predicted, a) higher levels of unhealthy dieting were significantly related to more negative views of the self (e.g., lower self-esteem), and b) lower perceived levels of support from the partner were significantly related to higher levels of eating-disordered attitudes, anxious attachment, and lower relationship satisfaction. However, testing more complex causal models showed that self-esteem played a pivotal role. First, tests confirmed that the impact of self-esteem on unhealthy dieting was mediated by more disordered attitudes to eating. Second, those with low-self-esteem were much less likely to diet in an unhealthy fashion with more frequent and positive partner support, whereas high self-esteem women were not influenced by the support offered by their partners. These findings did not apply to the frequency of healthy dieting, with the important exception that more frequent partner support encouraged healthier dieting, and they held up when plausible third variables were statistically controlled. The findings suggest that dieting behaviour is influenced both by individual differences and the nature of support in intimate relationship contexts.

abstract: Humans are social beings, which means interpersonal relationships are important contributors to our psychological health. Our health and behavior is manifested through a dynamic cycle of interacting factors: environmental, personal, and behavioral. Contributing to this interaction, interpersonal relationships provide benefits such as increased social support and decreased loneliness. The care and attention of relationship partners are communicated in multiple ways, one of which is interpersonal touch. Although touch can communicate positive feelings and support, it can also be used negatively in certain contexts. Unwanted or forced touch occurs when an individual experiences sexual or physical trauma. Experiencing this type of trauma often results in negative psychological consequences. Exactly how sexual or physical trauma—both of which involve unwanted touch—might influence an individual’s attitudes towards touch is important to explore. If an individual feels negatively about interpersonal touch due to previous experience of trauma, this might negatively influence the amount of current touch with a partner, and also the survivor’s psychological well-being. In the current study, I proposed that previous occurrence of sexual or physical trauma would predict both decreased frequency of touch in a current intimate relationship and poorer individual well-being, and that these relations would be explained by negative touch attitudes. Results supported these hypotheses, suggesting that lingering negative touch attitudes following trauma could be an underlying mechanism affecting social and individual functioning. As seen in our model, these attitudes fully mediated the effects between previous sexual or physical trauma and individual well-being, as well as frequency of touch. This understanding can help provide further insight into the repercussions of trauma and the underlying mechanisms attributing to continued negative effects. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Psychology 2018

In emerging adulthood, the developmental period between ages 18 and 25, romantic relationships last longer and become more intimate and serious. This developmental period also marks the peak of intimate partner violence (IPV) rates across the lifespan. Individuals in this age group also rely on technology more heavily than other age groups, and use this technology as another means by which to perpetrate IPV. The current thesis investigated the impacts of victimization by such technological IPV (tIPV), as well as the importance of technology-related factors in the perpetration of tIPV. Two hundred and seventy-eight (204 female, 74 male) participants in an intimate relationship of at least three months completed an online survey. Participants reported on their perpetration of and victimization by in-person and tIPV as well as on a range of victim impacts and technology-related perpetration factors. Experiencing tIPV victimization was related to increased alcohol use for both men and women, and increased fear of partner for women. For depression, perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, quality of life, social support, and post-traumatic stress, tIPV victimization did not predict impacts above in-person victimization. The amount of technology usage as well as the amount of technological disinhibition both uniquely predicted tIPV perpetration, counter to the hypothesis that technological disinhibition would moderate the relationship between technology usage and tIPV perpetration. In-person IPV perpetration also significantly predicted tIPV perpetration, and when these variables were included, technology usage was no longer significant. Upon further investigation, social media use, but not texting, significantly predicted tIPV perpetration. While these results suggest some unique impacts and contributing factors to tIPV, overall these results highlight that tIPV often occurs within a broader pattern of abuse that includes in-person IPV. These results suggest that tIPV, while a new medium of aggression, is not necessarily distinct from in-person IPV. This means that efforts should be made to integrate tIPV into IPV theory and practice, rather than to create a new field of research and practice based solely around tIPV. / Graduate

A collection of short stories exploring patterns that play out in people's lives and relationships.