Men’s stress expression and perception of partner’s support within the romantic relationships: A systematic review.

Abstract

Although research on men's stress expression, coping strategies, and attitudes toward support has been accumulated, there is a lack of evaluation of men's stress expression and perception of their partners' supportiveness within the context of romantic relationships. This review summarizes findings related to factors that influence men's expression of stress and the ways in which they perceive the support provided by their romantic partners, as well as the resulting effects on men's well-being and that of the relationship itself. We searched four electronic databases using terms related to stress expression and perceived supportiveness in couples. Findings meeting inclusion criteria were classified in two conceptual categories: (a) Men's stress expression to their partner and (b) men's perception of their partner's support. Forty-four articles met inclusion criteria. Data were collected on 4,520 men from clinical/ subclinical and healthy populations. Findings suggest that (a) men's stress expression and perceived supportiveness from their partner are linked to positive effects for men's well-being and that of the relationship; (b) stress and adherence to masculine norms negatively affect men's expression of stress to their romantic partner; and (c) men's perception of their romantic partner's support is negatively affected by stress and positively linked to men's stress expression. These results suggest that for men, stress expression and perceived supportiveness within the context of the romantic relationship parallel their general attitudes regarding self-disclosure and social support. The prescriptive role of masculine norms is highlighted as an important determinant of men's behavior toward their romantic partner. Public Significance StatementThis systematic review reveals the factors affecting men's stress expression and the ways in which they perceive the support provided by their romantic partner, as well as the effects on both men's and the relationship itself. It is hoped that this information will prove useful to clinicians working with men and couples, in assisting them to prepare and apply more adapted and targeted interventions. Future research may also benefit from better conceptualizations and definitions, providing thereby important empirical evidence and promoting healthier and more beneficial romantic relationships.

Exploring the association between sexual motivation and quality of life in China and the United Kingdom

“…First, sex may enhance the bond between partners and increase satisfaction with social interactions, which can lead to stronger social support. For example, Kapsaridi and Charvoz’s review found that men in strong romantic relationships had stronger social support, helping them manage stress and other relationships [ 52 ]. Second, according to self-determination theory, engaging in sex for pleasure is an intrinsic motivation that satisfies individual needs and increases relationship well-being [ 53 ].…”