Abstract Relational turbulence theory (RTT) proposes causal relationships across cognitive, emotional and communicative variables. Although many tenets of this theory have been tested individually, there has not yet been a comprehensive, predictive examination of RTT. Using structural equation modelling, this study longitudinally tested several propositions and axioms of RTT. Results are largely in line with many of RTT's predictions. Time 1 relational uncertainty predicted time 2 biased cognitions. Time 1 facilitation from a partner predicted time 2 negative emotions. Negative emotions cross-sectionally related to both the enactment and valence of relational communication episodes. Relational turbulence theory's proposed feedback loop received partial support, such that time 1 communication valence (but not engagement) predicted time 2 partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty and partner facilitation. Results are discussed in terms of theory expansion and refinement.
{"title":"A Longitudinal Test of Relational Turbulence Theory","authors":"James B. Stein","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.14","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Relational turbulence theory (RTT) proposes causal relationships across cognitive, emotional and communicative variables. Although many tenets of this theory have been tested individually, there has not yet been a comprehensive, predictive examination of RTT. Using structural equation modelling, this study longitudinally tested several propositions and axioms of RTT. Results are largely in line with many of RTT's predictions. Time 1 relational uncertainty predicted time 2 biased cognitions. Time 1 facilitation from a partner predicted time 2 negative emotions. Negative emotions cross-sectionally related to both the enactment and valence of relational communication episodes. Relational turbulence theory's proposed feedback loop received partial support, such that time 1 communication valence (but not engagement) predicted time 2 partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty and partner facilitation. Results are discussed in terms of theory expansion and refinement.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.14","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48306314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The identification of dysfunctional patterns in individuals’ interpersonal interactions is a cornerstone of psychotherapy. The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32) is one of the most used measures to explore individuals’ interpersonal styles. However, an IIP-32 Portuguese version is missing. Therefore, this study describes a preliminary psychometric study of an IIP-32 Portuguese version in a nonclinical sample. In a cross-sectional correlational design, 250 participants (M age = 20.67, SD = 4.88, males = 33, females = 217) were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), convergent, and divergent validities of the IIP-32 were tested with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Relationships with symptomatology were also tested with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53). The EFA showed a theoretically coherent eight-factor structure. Almost all of the IIP-32 subscales were positively correlated with personal discomfort and with BSI-53 subscales. Vindictive/self-centred, socially inhibited, domineering/controlling and self-sacrificing subscales predicted symptomatology. Promising preliminary psychometric properties were found that may support the IIP-32 as a reliable instrument to assess interpersonal styles. However, more research is required to deepen the analysis of the IIP-32 in the Portuguese population.
{"title":"Factor Structure and Convergent Validity of the Portuguese version of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems – 32","authors":"B. Faustino, A. B. Vasco","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.18","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The identification of dysfunctional patterns in individuals’ interpersonal interactions is a cornerstone of psychotherapy. The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32) is one of the most used measures to explore individuals’ interpersonal styles. However, an IIP-32 Portuguese version is missing. Therefore, this study describes a preliminary psychometric study of an IIP-32 Portuguese version in a nonclinical sample. In a cross-sectional correlational design, 250 participants (M age = 20.67, SD = 4.88, males = 33, females = 217) were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), convergent, and divergent validities of the IIP-32 were tested with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Relationships with symptomatology were also tested with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53). The EFA showed a theoretically coherent eight-factor structure. Almost all of the IIP-32 subscales were positively correlated with personal discomfort and with BSI-53 subscales. Vindictive/self-centred, socially inhibited, domineering/controlling and self-sacrificing subscales predicted symptomatology. Promising preliminary psychometric properties were found that may support the IIP-32 as a reliable instrument to assess interpersonal styles. However, more research is required to deepen the analysis of the IIP-32 in the Portuguese population.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.18","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45982148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Little research exists on how partners of sex offenders are perceived. Using attachment theory, we hypothesised that one's attachment would generalise to perceptions of sexual offenders and their partners. One hundred and six British adults’ attachment styles were assessed, as well as perceptions of sex offenders and their partners. Generally, perceivers’ attachment avoidance was associated with positive perceptions of both partners and offenders, while attachment anxiety was associated with negative perceptions of partners but positive perceptions of sex offenders. Perceptions of sex offenders and their partners were highly correlated and negative in nature, and sex offenders were more negatively perceived.
{"title":"Perceptions of Sex Offenders’ Partners: Associated with Perceptions of Offenders and Influenced by Attachment","authors":"Jason P. Martens, J. Stewart","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.12","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Little research exists on how partners of sex offenders are perceived. Using attachment theory, we hypothesised that one's attachment would generalise to perceptions of sexual offenders and their partners. One hundred and six British adults’ attachment styles were assessed, as well as perceptions of sex offenders and their partners. Generally, perceivers’ attachment avoidance was associated with positive perceptions of both partners and offenders, while attachment anxiety was associated with negative perceptions of partners but positive perceptions of sex offenders. Perceptions of sex offenders and their partners were highly correlated and negative in nature, and sex offenders were more negatively perceived.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.12","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49125343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Karandashev, Nicholas D. Evans, Elena Zarubko, F. Neto, Makesha Evans, V. Artemeva, K. Morgan, Cyrille Feybesse, Lali Surmanidze
Abstract Physical attraction is an important dimension of both romantic and companionate relationship of partners. This article presents a comprehensive cross-cultural validation of the short version of the Physical Attraction Scale (PAS-S) scale — the first and only multidimensional measure of physical attraction available for research and practice. The initial development of the scale was completed in a multisite study conducted with a large sample of university students, largely from the midwest and southeast of the United States. Results demonstrated a two-dimensional factor structure, excellent reliability, and evidence of content, convergent and discriminant validity. The following cross-cultural studies, which used the PAS-S, confirmed its robust factor structure, validity and reliability in the samples from 10 cultural regions in six countries. Therefore, this short version of the PAS-S can be recommended for cross-cultural practice and research. The versions of the scale in English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Georgian are provided in appendices. Based on the results of cross-cultural validation, authors recommend the PAS-S for research purposes and practical use in counselling and therapy. The scale provides a short and informative measure of (1) how a person feels attraction to their partner in close relationships and (2) which aspects of attraction are problematic.
{"title":"Physical Attraction Scale — Short Version: Cross-Cultural Validation","authors":"V. Karandashev, Nicholas D. Evans, Elena Zarubko, F. Neto, Makesha Evans, V. Artemeva, K. Morgan, Cyrille Feybesse, Lali Surmanidze","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.17","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Physical attraction is an important dimension of both romantic and companionate relationship of partners. This article presents a comprehensive cross-cultural validation of the short version of the Physical Attraction Scale (PAS-S) scale — the first and only multidimensional measure of physical attraction available for research and practice. The initial development of the scale was completed in a multisite study conducted with a large sample of university students, largely from the midwest and southeast of the United States. Results demonstrated a two-dimensional factor structure, excellent reliability, and evidence of content, convergent and discriminant validity. The following cross-cultural studies, which used the PAS-S, confirmed its robust factor structure, validity and reliability in the samples from 10 cultural regions in six countries. Therefore, this short version of the PAS-S can be recommended for cross-cultural practice and research. The versions of the scale in English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Georgian are provided in appendices. Based on the results of cross-cultural validation, authors recommend the PAS-S for research purposes and practical use in counselling and therapy. The scale provides a short and informative measure of (1) how a person feels attraction to their partner in close relationships and (2) which aspects of attraction are problematic.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.17","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47093860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Davoud Hajkhodadadi, O. Etemadi, M. Abedi, Rezvanossadat Jazayeri
Abstract Having adolescents affect many aspects of the parent's lives. The aim of this study was to investigate the parenting challenges within the cultural background of Iranian mothers. The participants consisted of 24 mothers who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed for further analysis. To analyse the data, a thematic analysis was carried out. The analysis of the data shows that for Iranian mothers, parenting challenges are categorised into seven themes: (a) Sense of diminished power and control, (b) Sense of inadequacy, (c) Lack of father's participation, (d) New situation, coping and resolve, (e) Altered relationships issues, (f) Unfulfilled expectations, and (g) Environmental threats. Based on the findings of our study, parenting challenges are culture-bound and controversial, and dealing with them requires parental training.
{"title":"Changes and Challenges: Parenting Challenges in Iranian Mothers","authors":"Davoud Hajkhodadadi, O. Etemadi, M. Abedi, Rezvanossadat Jazayeri","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.19","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Having adolescents affect many aspects of the parent's lives. The aim of this study was to investigate the parenting challenges within the cultural background of Iranian mothers. The participants consisted of 24 mothers who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed for further analysis. To analyse the data, a thematic analysis was carried out. The analysis of the data shows that for Iranian mothers, parenting challenges are categorised into seven themes: (a) Sense of diminished power and control, (b) Sense of inadequacy, (c) Lack of father's participation, (d) New situation, coping and resolve, (e) Altered relationships issues, (f) Unfulfilled expectations, and (g) Environmental threats. Based on the findings of our study, parenting challenges are culture-bound and controversial, and dealing with them requires parental training.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.19","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46825945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract While some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unable to live independent lives, others can, and they often develop romantic relationships. Couplings where one partner has ASD and the other does not (ASD-neurotypical [NT] relationships) were the focus of this mixed-methods study. Relationship satisfaction was lower among NT participants than those with ASD. Caregiver burden was comparatively high and negatively related to relationship satisfaction. Key themes identified in the qualitative analysis include caregiver burden, loneliness, and self-care within ASD-NT relationships. These findings have clinical implications for helping professionals and people engaged in ASD-NT relationships, and highlight the need for support to assist these couplings maintain satisfying relationships.
{"title":"Caregiver Burden and Relationship Satisfaction in ASD-NT Relationships","authors":"Naomi Millar-Powell, W. Warburton","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.11","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract While some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unable to live independent lives, others can, and they often develop romantic relationships. Couplings where one partner has ASD and the other does not (ASD-neurotypical [NT] relationships) were the focus of this mixed-methods study. Relationship satisfaction was lower among NT participants than those with ASD. Caregiver burden was comparatively high and negatively related to relationship satisfaction. Key themes identified in the qualitative analysis include caregiver burden, loneliness, and self-care within ASD-NT relationships. These findings have clinical implications for helping professionals and people engaged in ASD-NT relationships, and highlight the need for support to assist these couplings maintain satisfying relationships.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.11","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46529876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Fitzgerald, T. Ledermann, J. Grzywacz, Cailyn Hamstra
Abstract The interpersonal nature of childhood abuse has led researchers to examine how abuse in childhood is associated with the quality of adult women's romantic relationships. Depression is one pathway by which childhood abuse may be associated with relationship quality. The current study considers whether childhood abuse is linked to positive and negative relationship quality through depressive symptoms. Data were obtained from women participating in the Longitudinal Study of Childhood Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN; N = 544) and were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results indicate a significant indirect effect from childhood abuse to both positive and negative quality through women's depressive symptoms. The indirect effect from abuse to negative relationship quality through depression was significantly larger than positive relationship quality. These results suggest that childhood abuse and subsequent depressive symptoms has a twofold effect on women's romantic relationships.
{"title":"Childhood Abuse and Positive and Negative Relationship Quality in Women: The Role of Depression","authors":"M. Fitzgerald, T. Ledermann, J. Grzywacz, Cailyn Hamstra","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.6","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The interpersonal nature of childhood abuse has led researchers to examine how abuse in childhood is associated with the quality of adult women's romantic relationships. Depression is one pathway by which childhood abuse may be associated with relationship quality. The current study considers whether childhood abuse is linked to positive and negative relationship quality through depressive symptoms. Data were obtained from women participating in the Longitudinal Study of Childhood Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN; N = 544) and were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results indicate a significant indirect effect from childhood abuse to both positive and negative quality through women's depressive symptoms. The indirect effect from abuse to negative relationship quality through depression was significantly larger than positive relationship quality. These results suggest that childhood abuse and subsequent depressive symptoms has a twofold effect on women's romantic relationships.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.6","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44491642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Londero-Santos, J. Natividade, Terezinha Féres-Carneiro
Abstract This study investigated the role of perception of the partner's investment (PPI) as a mediator of the relation between attachment and relationship satisfaction. The participants in the study were 1088 Brazilians who were involved in a committed monogamous romantic relationship. Relations between study variables were tested using structural equations. The results showed that PPI fully mediated the relation between attachment-related anxiety and avoidance and relationship satisfaction. Attachment factors that were mediated by PPI explained 80.7% of the variance of relationship satisfaction. The results revealed that higher levels of attachment-related avoidance and anxiety were associated with a lower PPI and consequently lower relationship satisfaction. Therapeutic interventions for couples may reduce perceptual bias, mainly when attachment levels of the dyad are known.
{"title":"Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction: Mediating Role of Perception of the Partner's Investment","authors":"A. Londero-Santos, J. Natividade, Terezinha Féres-Carneiro","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.13","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This study investigated the role of perception of the partner's investment (PPI) as a mediator of the relation between attachment and relationship satisfaction. The participants in the study were 1088 Brazilians who were involved in a committed monogamous romantic relationship. Relations between study variables were tested using structural equations. The results showed that PPI fully mediated the relation between attachment-related anxiety and avoidance and relationship satisfaction. Attachment factors that were mediated by PPI explained 80.7% of the variance of relationship satisfaction. The results revealed that higher levels of attachment-related avoidance and anxiety were associated with a lower PPI and consequently lower relationship satisfaction. Therapeutic interventions for couples may reduce perceptual bias, mainly when attachment levels of the dyad are known.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.13","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42568078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Intimate relationships are an integral part of our lives, but the rate of relationship breakups is high. We explored the role of the investment model and the traits that influence investments on relationship satisfaction among 146 volunteers (age M = 28.76 years, SD = 10.23). Relationship satisfaction was predicted by investments, which in turn were predicted by attachment, personality and love style. Clinicians working with individuals or couples with relationship issues may benefit from knowing how invested they are in the relationship and their love style. Insight into imbalances in these constructs between partners may be used to facilitate relationship satisfaction.
{"title":"The Investment Model: Its Antecedents and Predictors of Relationship Satisfaction","authors":"K. Moore, A. Campbell","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.15","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Intimate relationships are an integral part of our lives, but the rate of relationship breakups is high. We explored the role of the investment model and the traits that influence investments on relationship satisfaction among 146 volunteers (age M = 28.76 years, SD = 10.23). Relationship satisfaction was predicted by investments, which in turn were predicted by attachment, personality and love style. Clinicians working with individuals or couples with relationship issues may benefit from knowing how invested they are in the relationship and their love style. Insight into imbalances in these constructs between partners may be used to facilitate relationship satisfaction.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.15","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42906437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kendra S. Wasson Simpson, O. LuciaF., Sullivan, A. E. Thompson, J. Fortenberry
Abstract Intimate kissing is often viewed as a preliminary or ancillary behaviour in studies exploring sexual interactions. There is a lack of research that focuses on differentiating the types of intimate kisses, including the contexts in which they occur, and desirable and undesirable features. The current study was designed to assess memories of first, best, forbidden and worst kisses. Participants were 691 U.S. adults (mean age 32.27 years; 55% identified as male) who completed an online survey addressing kissing attitudes and experiences using both structured and open-ended survey tools. Four themes emerged through content analysis: physical components, connection to the partner, context, and emotions evoked; and these are discussed for all four types of kissing memories. Findings are discussed in terms of embodiment that intimate kisses capture, their role as a metric of one's attraction to a partner, and the means by which kissing experiences might solidify a sense of oneself as a sexual person.
{"title":"First, Best, Forbidden and Worst: Memorable Experiences of Intimate Kisses Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority U.S. Adults","authors":"Kendra S. Wasson Simpson, O. LuciaF., Sullivan, A. E. Thompson, J. Fortenberry","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2020.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2020.7","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Intimate kissing is often viewed as a preliminary or ancillary behaviour in studies exploring sexual interactions. There is a lack of research that focuses on differentiating the types of intimate kisses, including the contexts in which they occur, and desirable and undesirable features. The current study was designed to assess memories of first, best, forbidden and worst kisses. Participants were 691 U.S. adults (mean age 32.27 years; 55% identified as male) who completed an online survey addressing kissing attitudes and experiences using both structured and open-ended survey tools. Four themes emerged through content analysis: physical components, connection to the partner, context, and emotions evoked; and these are discussed for all four types of kissing memories. Findings are discussed in terms of embodiment that intimate kisses capture, their role as a metric of one's attraction to a partner, and the means by which kissing experiences might solidify a sense of oneself as a sexual person.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2020.7","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45837156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}