Cynical Hostility, Intimacy, and Relationship Satisfaction
Author Information
Author(s): Segel-Karpas Dikla, Estlein Roi, Elran-Barak Roni
Primary Institution: University of Haifa
Hypothesis
Cynical hostility harms the couple’s ability to establish intimacy within the stressful experience of the global pandemic.
Conclusion
Perceived partner cynical hostility is a significant vulnerability factor that hampers intimacy and relationship satisfaction, especially when individuals experience greater vulnerability.
Supporting Evidence
- Perceived partner cynical hostility was significantly associated with lower intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
- Intimacy mediated the relationship between perceived partner cynical hostility and relationship satisfaction.
- Depressive symptoms moderated the relationship between perceived partner cynical hostility and intimacy.
Takeaway
When one partner thinks the other is cynical and untrustworthy, it can make it hard for them to feel close and happy together, especially if they're feeling sad or stressed.
Methodology
Longitudinal data were collected in two waves during and after the COVID-19 lockdown, relying on self-reports.
Potential Biases
The data were collected from individuals rating their perceived partner's hostility, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The sample was not representative of the general population and relied on self-reported perceptions of partner hostility.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 60 men and 209 women, with a mean age of 44.42 years, predominantly Jewish, and an average relationship length of 18.9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
LLCI = -0.25, ULCI = -0.10
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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