Work

Cynical Hostility, Intimacy and Relationship Satisfaction: The Role of Depressive Symptoms

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An individual's own and their perceived partner cynical hostility are conceptualized as vulnerability factors, decreasing couples' intimacy and relationship satisfaction. The perceived partner cynical hostility may be especially harmful when distress is high. METHOD: Longitudinal data were collected in two waves (during and after the COVID-19 lockdown), relying on the respondents' self-reports. RESULTS: Intimacy mediated the association between perceived partner cynical hostility and relationship satisfaction in both waves. The association between perceived partner cynical hostility and intimacy was stronger when depressive symptoms were higher. No longitudinal effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived partner cynical hostility could be a meaningful vulnerability factor, hampering the ability to establish intimacy and, in turn, relationship satisfaction. The toll may be greater when individuals experience greater vulnerability.

Source: Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/bs14121160

Authors: Dikla Segel-Karpas, Roi Estlein, Roni Elran-Barak

Institution: University of Haifa

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,501