Relationship satisfaction has consistently been associated with numerous important intrapersonal, interpersonal, and familial outcomes. In accordance with affection exchange theory, positive interaction between romantic partners should contribute to greater relationship satisfaction. However, what is less understood is the specific theoretical mechanism through which this process might occur. This study’s findings reveal that affectionate communication (given and received) positively predicted relationship satisfaction indirectly via the serial mediation of partner commitment and couple quality. This model was tested using a sample of participants of the ELEVATE relationship education program ( N = 2235). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, including a call for further exploration of other theoretical pathways that may impact relationship education program evaluation.

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Many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLH) choose to use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) alone or in addition to traditional medication. A dearth of research has examined psychosocial variables in CAM users who are HIV+. This study explores the role of selfefficacy in managing HIV/AIDS for CAM users and its association with three correlates of mental health: depression, stress and quality of sleep. Research has demonstrated that self-efficacy plays a role in a wide range of life situations, ranging from success in the workplace, to parenting skills to living with HIV (Bandura, 1992). However, little research has examined factors associated with self-efficacy of managing HIV/AIDS. Attention to such factors may provide insight into how to improve self-efficacy in this population and contribute to improved adherence rates. Depression, stress, and poor sleep quality are reported to be implicated in decreased immune functioning in healthy individuals (Kiecolt-Glaser, 2001). Additionally, these three factors are partially responsible for poor immune functioning in many chronic illnesses, including cancer (Gidron, 2006). Only a few studies have examined the roles these factors play in selfefficacy and no studies exist that examine these dynamics in an HIV+ population (Bandura, 2003). This study explores the relationship of depression, stress, and sleep quality with self-efficacy in CAM users living with HIV/AIDS (instruments used:

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While family communication has repeatedly been found to be related to health decisions and outcomes, the role of family communication within the study of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy has not received adequate attention. The present study ( N = 1,005) assesses the relationship between family communication patterns and willingness to converse about the Covid-19 vaccine with a family member, while also considering trust in government as a moderator. Findings revealed that individuals coming from high conversation-oriented homes who are also younger, unvaccinated, and imagining the vaccine conversation with their mother or father (as opposed to other family members) were more willing to converse with a family member about the Covid-19 vaccine. Conformity orientation only negatively predicted such willingness to converse when moderated by age. Surprisingly, trust in government was not found to moderate the relationship between either family communication pattern orientation and willingness to converse about the Covid-19 vaccine. Theoretical implications relevant for family and health communication scholars and healthcare professionals designing vaccine messaging are discussed.