Patterns of Child Maltreatment and the Development of Conflictual Emerging Adult Romantic Relationships: An Examination of Mechanisms and Gender Moderation

Individuals who experienced child maltreatment are at heightened risk for involvement in conflictual romantic relationships. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of patterns of child maltreatment on the development of maladaptive romantic relationships in emerging adulthood (EA), as well as to determine whether childhood physical aggression and disinhibition mediate this risk. Utilizing a longitudinal sample of emerging adult participants ( N = 398 emerging adults; Mage = 19.67 years) who took part in a summer research camp as children (Mage = 11.27 years), we employed a combination of person-centered and variable-centered methods to test study aims. Significant differences in child behavior and developmental pathways emerged not only between those who experienced maltreatment and those who did not, but also among maltreated individuals with different constellations of maltreatment experiences. Specifically, childhood aggression was a robust mechanism underlying the risk associated with chronic/multi-subtype maltreatment, and the risk associated with neglect only, for involvement in dysfunctional EA romantic relationships. Together, these findings highlight the utility of person-centered methods for conceptualizing maltreatment, identify childhood aggression as a pathway of risk, and the underscore the criticality of prevention and early intervention to interrupt the intergenerational transmission of high conflict and aggression within families.

Snapchat lenses and body image concerns

Snapchat allows users to apply lenses to photographic content, with these lenses often enhancing physical appearance. This may lead users to adopt unrealistic ideals of physical appearance. In a two-part study with college students, this investigation explored associations between general use of Snapchat lenses and body image concerns, and experimentally examined how taking selfies with Snapchat lenses influences appearance satisfaction. Taking more photos using Snapchat lenses, in general, was associated with greater body image concerns. However, there was little experimental evidence indicating that taking selfies with lenses influences state appearance satisfaction relative to an appearance-neutral control. There was no evidence of gender moderation. Notably, taking more selfies without lenses until reaching one satisfactory for posting on social media was associated with greater body image concerns.

Gender moderation and moderating gender: Sexual content policies in Twitch’s community guidelines

With the rise in prominence of live-streaming as a cultural production, a form of socialization, and an economic marketplace, this article is concerned with the ways content moderation policies and community guidelines implicitly foster harmful understandings of gender. Looking at Twitch specifically, I demonstrate through discourse analysis of platform policy documents as well as community discourse in relation to a 2018 update to the Twitch Community Guidelines as to how gender is understood, constructed, and ultimately reinforced through dominant ideological frames. I argue that the sexual politics of Twitch (and other streaming sites) resulting in marginalized and hegemonic patriarchal gender relations is a consequence of more than misogynistic culture but is in fact reinforced through the platform and the enacted policies associated with that platform. This results in cultural, social, and economic disadvantages for women online and is reflective of platform moderation’s impact on larger gendered divides across digital media spaces.

Unexpected Gender Moderation of Marital Satisfaction–Health Associations in Long-Distance Relationships

High marital satisfaction is associated with better individual health and health behavior. Gender moderates these associations; generally, they are stronger for women than for men. Theories such as subordination-reactivity attempt to explain marital satisfaction–health associations by gender. Extant research exploring this phenomenon focuses on individuals in proximal relationships, not those in long-distance relationships (LDR). LDR are prevalent, particularly among students, military personnel, and caregivers. They are also increasing both in number and cultural relevance. Current study participants ( N = 93) were ages 21+, married for 6+ months, and LDR, defined as living more than 50 miles apart and not able to see each other daily. Participants completed an online survey of relationship and health measures. We tested gender as a moderator of marital satisfaction–health associations. Unexpectedly, higher marital satisfaction related to better health for men more than for women on several health variables. Specifically, higher marital satisfaction related to significantly less drug use and less pain interference, and marginally better overall health, for men more than for women. No other marital satisfaction–health associations emerged. These results suggest marital satisfaction may be more important to health for LDR men than women, and in some cases, marital satisfaction may not relate to health for LDR individuals. Future research can explore these unique satisfaction–health associations in LDR. Therapeutic interventions for individuals and couples in LDR can consider these findings.