This study utilized observational and self-report data from 57 happily married couples to explore assumptions regarding marital happiness. Suggesting that happily married couples are not a homogeneous group, cluster analyses revealed the existence of three types of couples based on their observed behaviors in a problem-solving task: (1) mutually engaged couples (characterized by both spouses' h...

It has recently been claimed that a particular form of intimacy, ‘the pure relationship’ is increasingly sought in personal life. For a couple, ‘the pure relationship’ involves opening out to each other, enjoying each other’s unique qualities and sustaining trust through mutual disclosure. Anthony Giddens (1992) postulates a transformation of intimacy in all personal relationships with radical ...

Based on a male-derived model which views separation as the cornerstone of healthy development, the concept of fusion has been noted and pathologized in the literature on lesbian relationships. This paper will reexamine the relational patterns of lesbian couples within a perspective more attuned to female development which views connection as vital to growth. As women whose relational preferenc...

Assisted conception involving donor insemination challenges cultural idioms of parenthood and family; there is now a growing body of work exploring how women and couples negotiate becoming a family in this way. But sperm donation also raises questions on the more intimate levels of sex, sexuality and sexual bodies, and these have received little sustained attention in the literature. Lesbian co...

This study examined men's body image in the context of their romantic relationships. One hundred and four heterosexual romantic couples (N = 208 participants) completed measures assessing men's body image, perceptions of men's weight change, relationship length, and sexual intimacy. Men's height and weight were also measured. Results indicate that men were more likely to be satisfied with their...

Alexithymia, fear of intimacy, attachment security, and mood variables were examined as predictors satisfaction in couple relationships after accounting for age, sex, relationship length, marital status. Participants 158 adults (52% women 48% men) an ongoing 1-19 years. They completed validated measures the interest online. Bivariate correlations significant all predicted associations. Multiple...

Background: The experience of infidelity is very painful and leads to serious negative consequence among couples. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT) and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBT) on forgiveness and marital intimacy of women affected by infidelity. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-posttest desi...