Dynamic association between perceived conflict and communication behavior in intimate relationships: The moderating effect of traumatic experience

Communication and communication behaviors in situational contexts are essential conditions for well-being and quality of life in people with dementia. Measuring methods, however, are limited. The CODEM instrument, a standardized observational communication behavior assessment tool, was developed and evaluated on the basis of the current state of research in dementia care and social-communicative behavior. Initially, interrater reliability was examined by means of videoratings (N = 10 people with dementia). Thereupon, six caregivers in six German nursing homes observed 69 residents suffering from dementia and used CODEM to rate their communication behavior. The interrater reliability of CODEM was excellent (mean κ = .79; intraclass correlation = .91). Statistical analysis indicated that CODEM had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .95). CODEM also showed excellent convergent validity (Pearson’s R = .88) as well as discriminant validity (Pearson’s R = .63). Confirmatory factor analysis verified the two-factor solution of verbal/content aspects and nonverbal/relationship aspects. With regard to the severity of the disease, the content and relational aspects of communication exhibited different trends. CODEM proved to be a reliable, valid, and sensitive assessment tool for examining communication behavior in the field of dementia. CODEM also provides researchers a feasible examination tool for measuring effects of psychosocial intervention studies that strive to improve communication behavior and well-being in dementia.

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Effects of Attachment Styles on the Experience of Equity in Heterosexual Couples Relationships

Experimental Psychology (formerly Zeitschrift für Experimentelle Psychologie) ◽

10.1026//1618-3169.50.4.298 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 298-310 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Ina Grau ◽

Jörg Doll

Keyword(s):

Attachment Theory ◽

Attachment Style ◽

Intimate Relationships ◽

Attachment Styles ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

The Other ◽

Heterosexual Couples ◽

Secure Attachment ◽

Dependent Variables ◽

Equity Ratio

Abstract. Employing one correlational and two experimental studies, this paper examines the influence of attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) on a person’s experience of equity in intimate relationships. While one experimental study employed a priming technique to stimulate the different attachment styles, the other involved vignettes describing fictitious characters with typical attachment styles. As the specific hypotheses about the single equity components have been developed on the basis of the attachment theory, the equity ratio itself and the four equity components (own outcome, own input, partner’s outcome, partner’s input) are analyzed as dependent variables. While partners with a secure attachment style tend to describe their relationship as equitable (i.e., they give and take extensively), partners who feel anxious about their relationship generally see themselves as being in an inequitable, disadvantaged position (i.e., they receive little from their partner). The hypothesis that avoidant partners would feel advantaged as they were less committed was only supported by the correlational study. Against expectations, the results of both experiments indicate that avoidant partners generally see themselves (or see avoidant vignettes) as being treated equitably, but that there is less emotional exchange than is the case with secure partners. Avoidant partners give and take less than secure ones.

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Childbirth and Posttraumatic Stress Responses

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.22.4.259 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 259-267 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Eelco Olde ◽

Rolf J. Kleber ◽

Onno van der Hart ◽

Victor J.M. Pop

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Experience ◽

Event Scale ◽

Self Rating ◽

The Impact

Childbirth has been identified as a possible traumatic experience, leading to traumatic stress responses and even to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study investigated the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) in a group of women who recently gave birth (N = 435). In addition, a comparison was made between the original IES and the IES-R. The scale showed high internal consistency (α = 0.88). Using confirmatory factor analysis no support was found for a three-factor structure of an intrusion, an avoidance, and a hyperarousal factor. Goodness of fit was only reasonable, even after fitting one intrusion item on the hyperarousal scale. The IES-R correlated significantly with scores on depression and anxiety self-rating scales, as well as with scores on a self-rating scale of posttraumatic stress disorder. Although the IES-R can be used for studying posttraumatic stress reactions in women who recently gave birth, the original IES proved to be a better instrument compared to the IES-R. It is concluded that adding the hyperarousal scale to the IES-R did not make the scale stronger.

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Early parental loss and intimate relationships in adulthood: A nationwide study.

Developmental Psychology ◽

10.1037/dev0000483 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 54 (5) ◽

pp. 963-974 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Beverley Lim Høeg ◽

Christoffer Johansen ◽

Jane Christensen ◽

Kirsten Frederiksen ◽

Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Relationships ◽

Parental Loss ◽

Nationwide Study

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