Showing papers in "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2017"
TL;DR: This reading book is your chosen book to accompany you when in your free time, in your lonely, this kind of book can help you to heal the lonely and get or add the inspirations to be more inoperative.
Abstract: In the late 1960s, Bessel van der Kolk, then a medical student and now founder and medical director of the Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University Sc...
558 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that a sizable and diverse proportion of U.S. adults have experienced CNM, highlighting the need to incorporate CNM into theoretical and empirical therapy and family science work.
Abstract: Although academic and popular interest in consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) is increasing, little is known about the prevalence of CNM. Using two separate U.S. Census based quota samples of single adults in the United States (Study 1: n = 3,905; Study 2: n = 4,813), the present studies show that more than one in five (21.9% in Study 1; 21.2% in Study 2) participants report engaging in CNM at some point in their lifetime. This proportion remained constant across age, education level, income, religion, region, political affiliation, and race, but varied with gender and sexual orientation. Specifically, men (compared to women) and people who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (compared to those who identify as heterosexual) were more likely to report previous engagement in CNM. These findings suggest that a sizable and diverse proportion of U.S. adults have experienced CNM, highlighting the need to incorporate CNM into theoretical and empirical therapy and family science work.
159 citations
TL;DR: dissatisfaction after GAS may be viewed as indicator of unfavorable psychological and QoL outcomes, and the associations between postoperative (dis)satisfaction and quality of life (QoL)
Abstract: We assessed the outcomes of gender-affirming surgery (GAS, or sex-reassignment surgery) 4 to 6 years after first clinical contact, and the associations between postoperative (dis)satisfaction and q...
129 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a straight White man serving life in prison was asked whether he would have sex with a man in a fraternity that required him to engage in oral sex with another man.
Abstract: What if? What if you were a straight White man serving life in prison? Would you have sex with a man? What if you were a straight White man pledging a fraternity that required you to engage in oral
79 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of experiences related to orgasm, sexual pleasure, and genital touching in a U.S. probability sample of women found that, while clitoral stimulation was not needed, their orgasms feel better if their clitoris is stimulated during intercourse.
Abstract: The study purpose was to assess, in a U.S. probability sample of women, experiences related to orgasm, sexual pleasure, and genital touching. In June 2015, 1,055 women ages 18 to 94 from the nationally representative GfK KnowledgePanel® completed a confidential, Internet-based survey. While 18.4% of women reported that intercourse alone was sufficient for orgasm, 36.6% reported clitoral stimulation was necessary for orgasm during intercourse, and an additional 36% indicated that, while clitoral stimulation was not needed, their orgasms feel better if their clitoris is stimulated during intercourse. Women reported diverse preferences for genital touch location, pressure, shape, and pattern. Clinical, therapeutic, and educational implications are discussed.
75 citations
TL;DR: Findings indicated that whereas GCT may positively affect sexual feelings, particularly in MtF persons, body satisfaction may play an even bigger role.
Abstract: We examined the role of gender-confirming treatment (GCT; i.e., hormonal treatment and genital surgery), psychological well-being, and body satisfaction in the sexual feelings and behaviors of tran...
54 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Pennebaker's and Smyth's updated and timely review of the importance of expressive writing and the benefits to both physical and psychological health derived by “wr...
Abstract: Opening Up by Writing It Down is Pennebaker's and Smyth's updated and timely review of the importance of expressive writing and the benefits to both physical and psychological health derived by “wr...
54 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that older adults with active and satisfying sex lives engage more frequently in open sexual communication and setting the mood for sexual activity, and synchronicity in sexual desire and activities is related to a high-frequency and highly satisfying sex life in older adulthood.
Abstract: This study examines behaviors associated with sex frequency and sexual satisfaction in a national sample of partnered older adults, age 50 to 85 (N = 9,164), together for over one year. The results indicate that older adults with active and satisfying sex lives engage more frequently in open sexual communication and setting the mood for sexual activity. Additionally, synchronicity in sexual desire and activities is related to a high-frequency and highly satisfying sex life in older adulthood. An expansive sexual repertoire, as measured by the number of sexual activities used during the last sexual encounter and the incorporation of sexual variety, is also associated with greater sex frequency and sexual satisfaction.
53 citations
TL;DR: An individual-based compulsive sexual behavior scale (I-CSB) is developed and validated that is associated with an intense inner conflict regarding sexuality (high arousal contrasting with high sexual anxiety), and that accounts for approximately 75% of the differences between people with compulsiveSexual behavior and controls.
Abstract: Compulsive sexual behavior comprises individual-based (e.g., sexual fantasies, compulsive sexual thoughts, masturbation) and partnered (e.g., interpersonal sexual conquests, repeated infidelity) facets. Most instruments for assessing compulsive sexual behavior, however, focus less on the individual-based facet and specifically on fantasies and compulsive thoughts. In the current research, we developed and validated an individual-based compulsive sexual behavior scale (I-CSB). In Study 1 (N = 492), the factorial structure of the I-CSB was examined. In Study 2 (N = 406), we assessed I-CSB's convergent validity. In Study 3 (N = 112), we examined whether the I-CSB differentiates between individuals who suffer from compulsive sexual behavior and those who do not. Results revealed a four-factor structure for individual-based compulsive sexual behavior that is associated with an intense inner conflict regarding sexuality (high arousal contrasting with high sexual anxiety), and that accounts for approximately 75% of the differences between people with compulsive sexual behavior and controls. Results are discussed in light of the need for a broader understanding of compulsive sexual behavior.
51 citations
TL;DR: The results suggested that sex therapists should consider targeting affect dysregulation in their efforts to decrease sexual anxiety and increase sexual satisfaction in adult survivors of CCT.
Abstract: Childhood cumulative trauma (CCT) refers to an amalgam of childhood maltreatment experiences that can lead to a range of symptoms and problems in adulthood. The current study examined an integrative model of CCT for its relevance to psychosexual adjustment in adult survivors. A total of 620 participants aged 18 years and over completed a questionnaire assessing early life experiences, affect dysregulation, sexual anxiety, and sexual satisfaction. Path analyses confirmed the hypothesis that CCT is associated with affect dysregulation and sexual anxiety that, in turn, predict lower levels of sexual satisfaction. The validity of this mediational model was demonstrated for different operationalizations of CCT. The results suggested that sex therapists, who are likely to encounter CCT survivors in their practice, should consider targeting affect dysregulation in their efforts to decrease sexual anxiety and increase sexual satisfaction.
51 citations
TL;DR: This work examines loneliness as it relates to pornography use in terms of pornography's relational scripting and its addictive potential, using a measurement model and two structural equation models where pornography use and loneliness are regressed on each other, respectively.
Abstract: Sexuality is presumptively and observably a powerful core element of the human pair-bond relationship. Technological advances of the last half-century have made media a dominant cultural and developmental presence, including scripting sexual relationship attitudes and behavior. Theoretically and empirically, we examine loneliness as it relates to pornography use in terms of pornography's relational scripting and its addictive potential. Empirically, we examine the associative nature between pornography use and loneliness using a measurement model and two structural equation models where pornography use and loneliness are regressed on each other, respectively. Survey data were collected from a sample of 1,247 participants, who completed an online questionnaire containing questions on pornography use, the University of California-Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLALS), and other demographic variables. Results from our analyses revealed significant and positive associations between pornography use and loneliness for all three models. Findings provide grounds for possible future bidirectional, recursive modeling of the relation between pornography use and loneliness.
TL;DR: Attachment style appears to be a more important contributing factor to satisfaction than desire among diverse sexual orientations, and clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
Abstract: Research has indicated that adult romantic attachment is influential and important to sexual and relationship satisfaction. Sexual desire, although not a direct focus of attachment literature, is highly related to sexual and relationship satisfaction, suggesting it may also be impacted by attachment style in romantic couples. However, the research conducted on sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and attachment has been largely heterocentric, making it difficult to determine whether the findings documented in the literature thus far are relevant in a sexually diverse group of individuals. The current study aimed to better understand the way that attachment style may impact sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction in a sample of sexually diverse men and women. In total, 955 individuals (63.4% cisgender women, 30.7% cisgender men, 6.0% genderqueer, 54.8% straight, 20.4% bisexual, 18.4% gay) participated in a web-based study examining relationship dynamics. Three multivariate regression models indicated that attachment style significantly predicted relationship satisfaction (29% of variance accounted for), sexual satisfaction (19% of variance accounted for), and sexual desire (4% of variance accounted for). Attachment style appears to be a more important contributing factor to satisfaction than desire among diverse sexual orientations. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
TL;DR: Contrary to previous findings, gender-referred females were not more likely to be only children, indicating that increased likelihood of only-child status is not specific to gender- referred females, but is characteristic of clinic-REferred females more generally.
Abstract: Several studies indicate that homosexual males have a high proportion of older brothers compared to heterosexual males. Natal males with gender dysphoria who are likely to be homosexual also display this sibship pattern. Until recently, there was little evidence linking homosexuality and/or gender dysphoria in females to unique sibship characteristics. Two studies have indicated that natal female youth clinically referred for gender dysphoria are more likely to be only children (Schagen, Delemarre-van de Waal, Blanchard, & Cohen-Kettenis, 2012; VanderLaan, Blanchard, Wood, & Zucker, 2014). However, these studies did not include control groups of youth clinically referred for other reasons. Thus, it is unclear whether the increased likelihood of only-child status is specific to gender-referred natal females. This study compared only-child status among youth referred to a mental health service for gender dysphoria (778 males, 245 females) versus other reasons (783 males, 281 females). Prehomosexual gender-r...
TL;DR: A set of variables that, in interaction with gender, explains 58% of the variance for cybersex addiction scores are found, which are similar to that documented in other Western countries.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the type and frequency of online sexual practices among Spanish college students, the prevalence of risk and pathological cybersex use profiles, and the correlates/predictors of this behavior. Participants were 1,557 males and females between 18 and 25 years old. Results showed that cybersex use is not as frequent as that documented in other Western countries. However, a significant percentage of participants with a risky (8.6%) or pathological (1.7% in men and 0.1% in women) profile was identified. Finally, we found a set of variables that, in interaction with gender, explains 58% of the variance for cybersex addiction scores.
TL;DR: Targeting dyadic empathy in interventions aimed at helping couples transition to parenthood may promote the maintenance of sexual and relationship well-being.
Abstract: Becoming a new parent is typically a time of great joy, yet it is also marked by significant declines in sexual and relationship functioning. Dyadic empathy, a combination of perspective taking and empathic concern for one's romantic partner, may facilitate sexual and relationship quality for new parents. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between dyadic empathy and sexual satisfaction, relationship adjustment, and sexual desire in a sample of first-time parents. Couples (N = 255) with an infant aged three to 12 months completed an online survey assessing dyadic empathy, sexual satisfaction, relationship adjustment, and sexual desire. Data were analyzed using multilevel analyses guided by the actor-partner interdependence model. When new mothers and fathers reported greater dyadic empathy, both they and their partners reported higher sexual satisfaction and relationship adjustment. New mothers who reported higher dyadic empathy also had higher sexual desire, although when they had more empathic partners new mothers reported lower sexual desire. Results remained significant after controlling for potential challenges unique to the postpartum period (e.g., fatigue, breastfeeding), as well as relationship duration. Targeting dyadic empathy in interventions aimed at helping couples transition to parenthood may promote the maintenance of sexual and relationship well-being.
TL;DR: The findings supported the clinical impression that a large percentage of adolescents referred for gender dysphoria have a substantial co-occurring history of psychosocial and psychological vulnerability, thus supporting a “proof of principle” for the importance of a comprehensive psychologic/psychiatric assessment that goes beyond an evaluation ofGender dysphoria per se.
Abstract: For adolescents with gender dysphoria, it has become common to be offered hormonal treatment to either delay or suppress pubertal development and/or to masculinize or feminize the body. At the same time, it has been our clinical impression that the psychological vulnerability of at least some of these youth has been overlooked. Fifty consecutive referrals of adolescents with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of gender identity disorder (GID) constituted the sample. Information obtained at intake was coded for the presence or absence of 15 psychosocial and psychological vulnerability factors. The mean number of psychosocial/psychological vulnerability factors coded as present was 5.56 (range, 0–13). Over half of the sample had six or more of the vulnerability factors. The number of factors coded as present was significantly correlated with behavioral and emotional problems on the Youth Self-Report Form and the Child Behavior Checklist, but not with demographic variables or IQ. The findings supported the clinical impre...
TL;DR: Findings support the existence of MAPs who successfully refrain from sexually engaging with children, identifying multiple protective and risk factors.
Abstract: The present study compares community-based minor-attracted persons (MAPs) with and without histories of sexual activity with children. MAP actors (N = 342) were significantly older than non-actors (N = 223), with longer duration of pedophilic attraction, more antisocial traits, greater attraction to boys, greater difficulty controlling their attraction, and more positive attitudes toward adult-child sexual activity. Additionally, more MAP actors reported prior mental health treatment, nonsexual offenses, and childhood sexual and nonsexual abuse. Over a third of the whole sample reported chronic suicidal ideation. These findings support the existence of MAPs who successfully refrain from sexually engaging with children, identifying multiple protective and risk factors.
TL;DR: Men affected by PE are more distressed by the problem than their partners, and there is no evidence that levels of trait anxiety in individuals with PE are dissimilar to those found in the general population.
Abstract: This study examined trait anxiety and sexual cognitions in 610 men with premature ejaculation (PE) (DSM-IV-TR criteria) and in 107 partners of these men, and compared their scores to normative data...
TL;DR: Quadratic analyses indicated a curvilinear relationship between personal pornography viewing and sexual satisfaction in the form of a predominately negative, concave downward curve, which did not differ as a function of participants' gender, relationship status, or religiosity.
Abstract: Personal pornography viewing has been associated with lower sexual satisfaction in both experimental and observational research. The language used to hypothesize this relationship typically suggests that it is frequent viewing, rather than infrequent or only occasional viewing, that is responsible for any adverse effects. When the nature of the relationship between a predictor and a criterion depends on the levels of the predictor, a curvilinear relationship is indicated. Nevertheless, studies have assumed linearity in their analytical approach. Curvilinear relationships will go undetected unless they are specifically tested. This article presents results from a survey of approximately 1,500 U.S. adults. Quadratic analyses indicated a curvilinear relationship between personal pornography viewing and sexual satisfaction in the form of a predominately negative, concave downward curve. The nature of the curvilinearity did not differ as a function of participants' gender, relationship status, or religiosity. But the negative acceleration was slightly more pronounced for men than for women, for people not in a relationship than for people in a relationship, and for religious people than for nonreligious people. For all groups, negative simple slopes were present when viewing reached once a month or more. These results are correlational only. However, if an effects perspective were adopted, it would suggest that consuming pornography less than once a month has little or no impact on satisfaction, that reductions in satisfaction tend to initiate once viewing reaches once a month, and that additional increases in the frequency of viewing lead to disproportionately larger decrements in satisfaction.
TL;DR: Significant correlations were found between body satisfaction, body-image self-consciousness, and female genital self-image and sexual function and women should have opportunities to discuss body changes throughout pregnancy.
Abstract: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the extent to which perceived changes in weight, body satisfaction, body-image self-consciousness, and genital self-image could be used to predict sexual function scores. A total of 168 primiparous women completed the cross-sectional, web-based survey. Significant correlations were found between body satisfaction, body-image self-consciousness, and female genital self-image and sexual function. Multivariate regression analysis suggests body image and genital self-image combined account for 14.1% of the variance in overall sexual function. Women should have opportunities to discuss body changes throughout pregnancy.
TL;DR: Frequency of pornography use was more strongly associated with feeling out of control when relationship and sexual satisfaction were lower, and findings suggest that couple dissatisfaction puts the individual at risk of reporting out-of-control pornography use.
Abstract: There is an understudied, meaningful distinction between high frequency of pornography use and the subjective feeling that this behavior is out of control. We examined whether the quality of a couple's relationship and sex life can strengthen or weaken the association between frequency of Internet pornography use and perceived lack of control over this behavior. In a sample of 1,036 participants, results showed that frequency of pornography use was more strongly associated with feeling out of control when relationship and sexual satisfaction were lower. Findings suggest that couple dissatisfaction puts the individual at risk of reporting out-of-control pornography use.
TL;DR: The burden of sexual dysfunctions is underappreciated and not well studied, yet it is significant for both the patients and the society.
Abstract: Similar to the burden of other diseases, the burden of sexual dysfunction has not been systematically studied. However, there is growing evidence of various burdens (e.g., economic, symptomatic, humanistic) among patients suffering from sexual dysfunctions.The burden of sexual dysfunction has been studied a bit more often in men, namely the burden of erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE) and testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS). Erectile dysfunction is frequently associated with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. These conditions could go undiagnosed, and ED could be a marker of those diseases. The only available report from the United Kingdom estimated the total economic burden of ED at £53 million annually in terms of direct costs and lost productivity.The burden of PE includes significant psychological distress: anxiety, depression, lack of sexual confidence, poor self-esteem, impaired quality of life, and interpersonal difficulties. Some sugg...
TL;DR: This study explored the experiences of male partners of women with dyspareunia, secondary to provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), who participated in the Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program (MVP), which included improvements in knowledge, communication, and psychological and sexual health.
Abstract: This study explored the experiences of male partners of women with dyspareunia, secondary to provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), who participated in the Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program (MVP). Participants were 16 men between 22 and 45 years of age. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews and analyzed for themes. Men were interviewed about (a) the impact of the woman's PVD on themselves; and (b) the impact of the MVP on themselves. Participants experienced negative psychological effects (e.g., guilt) in addition to activating emotions (e.g., frustration). They reported diminished quantity and quality of sex. In the relationship, PVD caused strain, communication challenges, and possibilities for growth. The benefits, perceived by the partner, of the women participating in the treatment program included improvements in knowledge, communication, and psychological and sexual health.
TL;DR: It is suggested that an online, unidirectional psychoeducational program is feasible, and may be effective for women survivors of gynecologic and colorectal cancer, but further work is needed to ensure that online interventions address the sexual health needs of male survivors.
Abstract: Sexual health is an integral component of quality of life for cancer survivors, and is often negatively impacted by treatment. Geographic limitations often prohibit survivors from accessing sexual health programs designed to address their needs. This study examined the efficacy of an online, 12-week psychoeducational program, which included elements of mindfulness meditation, for sexual difficulties in survivors of colorectal or gynecologic cancer. Complete pre- and postintervention data were available for 46 women (mean age 55.0, SD 9.6) and 15 men (mean age 59.7, SD 6.8). Women experienced significant improvements in sex-related distress (p < .001), sexual function (p < .001 and p < .01), and mood (p < .001); these results were maintained at six months follow-up. Men's improvement in desire was not significant (p = .06), whereas intercourse satisfaction was (p < .05) immediately after the program, but not at follow-up. In order to more fully explore women's experiences, interviews were carried out with six participants and analyzed using narrative inquiry. Women shared a feeling of renewed hope for regaining their sex lives, and expressed that they would have valued an interactive component to the program. These findings suggest that an online, unidirectional psychoeducational program is feasible, and may be effective for women survivors of gynecologic and colorectal cancer, but further work is needed to ensure that online interventions address the sexual health needs of male survivors.
TL;DR: The article discusses five findings of relevance to health professionals that many asexually identified individuals believe in the usefulness of low sexual desire as a diagnostic category and support medical and mental health professionals in their efforts to develop treatments for sexual desire disorders.
Abstract: This article draws on qualitative in-depth interviews with 30 asexually identified individuals living in the United States in order to contribute to our understanding of when low sexual desire should be treated as a medical or mental health issue and when it should be treated as a benign sexual variation. The article discusses five findings of relevance to health professionals: (1) the line between a desire disorder and asexuality is not clear-cut; (2) asexually identified individuals may experience distress, so distress alone does not separate a desire disorder from asexuality; (3) asexually identified individuals may face sexual pressure from a partner or may have difficulty negotiating sexual activity with a partner; (4) asexuality does not need to be distressing, rather it can be experienced as a fulfilling form of sexuality; and (5) many asexually identified individuals believe in the usefulness of low sexual desire as a diagnostic category and support medical and mental health professionals in their...
TL;DR: This study characterized an online sample of women with symptoms of persistent genital arousal (PGA) in terms of their symptom characteristics, medical comorbidities, symptom triggers, management strategies, and predictors of distress.
Abstract: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD; Leiblum & Nathan, 2001) is characterized by distressing symptoms suggestive of genital arousal in the absence of subjective feelings of arousal. Although ...
TL;DR: Clinicians might use cognitive-behavioral strategies to assist women in disclosing sexual problems to partners to maximize the potential psychological, sexual, and relationship benefits.
Abstract: Women with sexual problems (e.g., difficulties with desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain during sexual activity) experience more depressive symptoms, and poorer sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction compared with unaffected women. A robust literature highlights the importance of sexual communication, and sexual self-disclosures in particular, for the well-being of individuals in romantic relationships. However, little is known about the disclosure of sexual problems to romantic partners and its association with women's psychological, sexual, and relationship well-being. This study examined the proportion of women (N = 277) who disclose (vs. do not disclose) sexual problems to their partner, and the consequences of disclosure. Women (Mage = 29.79, SD = 6.54) completed online validated measures assessing sexual problems, relationship satisfaction, sexual functioning, and depressive symptoms. The majority (69.3%) reported disclosing sexual problems to their current romantic partner. Disclosers reported fewer depressive symptoms, and greater sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction compared to nondisclosers. Disclosing sexual problems may benefit women's well-being by enhancing intimacy or allowing couples to adapt sexual activities to accommodate sexual problems. Clinicians might use cognitive-behavioral strategies to assist women in disclosing sexual problems to partners to maximize the potential psychological, sexual, and relationship benefits.
TL;DR: By viewing sexual desire discrepancy as a relational problem that can be treated using emotionally focused therapy, clinicians are better equipped to work with emotional and sexual factors that impact desire and couple distress.
Abstract: Couples in committed relationships encounter a multitude of issues. According to Metz and McCarthy (2010), when couples report high sexual satisfaction, it accounts for 15% to 20% of their overall relationship satisfaction. However, when couples report low sexual satisfaction, it contributes 50% to 70% of their overall satisfaction with their partner. Issues of sexual desire, currently referred to as sexual desire discrepancy, are among the most difficult to treat. Although there are many factors contributing to the issue of sexual desire discrepancy, current literature highlights the importance of emotional intimacy as an outcome and predictor of increased sexual desire. Given the complex nature of sexual desire, clinicians often lack the understanding and treatment options that are systemic. By viewing sexual desire discrepancy as a relational problem that can be treated using emotionally focused therapy, clinicians are better equipped to work with emotional and sexual factors that impact desire and couple distress.
TL;DR: A group therapy intervention for couples presenting with low sexual desire/frequency and sexual desire discrepancy to improve the quality of erotic intimacy by focusing on such elements as being fully embodied during sex, increasing authenticity, trustworthiness, and vulnerability is developed.
Abstract: Beginning in 2005, our team conducted a series of studies on optimal sexual experiences. We have applied our findings to develop a group therapy intervention for couples presenting with low sexual desire/frequency and sexual desire discrepancy. The goal was to improve the quality of erotic intimacy by focusing on such elements as being fully embodied during sex, increasing authenticity, trustworthiness, and vulnerability. Twenty-eight heterosexual individuals (14 couples) were seen in 16 hours of couples group therapy. Each completed the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale in pretests, posttests and six-month follow-ups. Significant differences in satisfaction (p <.001) were found in overall sample means from pretests to posttests and follow-ups. Significant differences were also found in 10 of 20 items, plus in two of three added items, including satisfaction with intensity of sexual arousal, variety, frequency, partner's initiation, and emotional opening up. Although this is a small sample, the results indicate that this intervention is effective. We interpret these findings in terms of creating just enough safety to enable couples to take erotic risks and thereby create desirable sexual intimacy.
TL;DR: The commitment literature is examined and how commitment is undermined in the contemporary era is discussed with suggestions for future areas of exploration.
Abstract: What causes some marriages to stand the test of time while others fail? Marital commitment is the key force underlying the stability, quality, and longevity of the romantic relationship. Commitment is strengthened in the presence of marital satisfaction, the absence of alternative attractions, and steady investments made in the relationship. Commitment is also a consequence of increasing dependence. When partners are emotionally engaged with their virtual connections, their dependence on the significant other decreases. On the contrary, dependence on the partner increases when people feel satisfied with their relationship, think unfavorably about the quality of available alternatives, and feel that they have made great investments in their relationship. Technological advancements of the present era have spawned a wide array of social networking sites (SNSs) that display boastfully curated profiles of virtual connections. These overly glossed profiles may lead social media users to feel deficient in their ...