Predicting couple satisfaction: the role of differentiation of self, sexual desire and intimacy in heterosexual individuals

Leisure in romantic relationships: An avenue for differentiation of self

“…Bowen postulated that differentiation of self is essential for mature intimacy in romantic relationships and marriages as greater differentiation of self leads to a better capacity to manage intimacy and autonomy (Bowen, ; Kerr & Bowen, ). In our study, differentiation of self was found to correlate positively with dyadic adjustment, suggesting that those with higher levels of differentiation of self have better functioning relationships, in line with the findings of previous research (Ferreira et al, ; Skowron, ). This study is the first, however, to view relationship leisure time through the lens of Bowen Family Systems Theory, particularly the Bowenian concept of differentiation of self.…”

“…Timm and Keiley (), for example, found that the relationship between differentiation and marital satisfaction was mediated by sexual communication. Ferreira et al () found that the relationship between differentiation of self and couple satisfaction among a sample of heterosexual Portuguese individuals was mediated by desire. Given the breadth of the impact that differentiation of self has, both directly and indirectly, on relationship functioning and its inherent emphasis on the balance of togetherness and separateness, is it possible that couple leisure, in some capacity, whether amount of time or the satisfaction with that time, may act as mediator in the relationship between differentiation of self and dyadic adjustment?…”

Sexually explicit media use and relationship satisfaction: a moderating role of emotional intimacy?

“…As suggested by several studies (cf. Ferreira et al, 2014;Stulhofer et al, 2014), emotional intimacy can be equally important for both men's and women's sexual and relationship satisfaction. Enabling partners to better understand their mutuality and connectedness, and enhancing their communication by encouraging them to express thoughts and emotions in an open manner, could therefore be valuable therapeutic interventions in couples struggling with issues related to SEM use (Garfield, 2010;Yoo et al, 2013).…”

“…Accordingly, among men, SEM use may be understood as a coping mechanism used in relationships characterized by low or reduced emotional intimacy. As emotional intimacy may be related to both sexual desire and sexual satisfaction (Basson, 2001(Basson, , 2005Ferreira et al, 2014;Sevi c et al, 2015;Stulhofer et al, 2014), low levels of emotional intimacy may result in less frequent and less satisfying coupled sexual activity, leading to more frequent solitary sexual activities, such as masturbation, involving the use of SEM (Carvalheira, Traeen, & Stulhofer, 2014). Taking into account that SEM use is more integral to men's than to women's solitary sexual activities (Hald, 2006;Hald et al, 2014), the above-mentioned studies help to qualify our finding that the association between SEM use and relationship satisfaction was observed only among men with lower levels of emotional intimacy.…”

“…A number of studies have highlighted the importance of emotional intimacy for the quality of relationships (Ferreira, Narciso, & Novo, 2012;Ferreira, Narciso, Novo, & Pereira, 2014;Sanderson & Cantor, 2001;Sanderson & Karetsky, 2002;Yoo et al, 2013). 1 In the clinical setting, couple and relationship therapy has identified emotional intimacy to be a "couple resource" of essential importance in dealing with sexual and non-sexual challenges encountered in long-term relationships (e.g.…”