The relationship between sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples has been frequently... more The relationship between sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples has been frequently discussed in clinical literature but lacks empirical support. This exploratory study investigates the associations between individual and dyadic levels of sexual desire, differentiation of self and couple satisfaction. Similarities and discrepancies in sexual desire and differentiation of self between partners were especially targeted. Partners were expected to have a lower discrepancy of differentiation of self than unrelated individuals (Bowen's similarity hypothesis). Partners' discrepancy in differentiation of self was expected to be negatively associated with sexual desire; and higher levels of sexual desire and differentiation in the dyad were expected be positively associated with couple satisfaction. Results suggest that partners' similarity regarding differentiation of self predicted individual sexual desire. Other findings suggest that couple satisfaction was positively associated with both sexual desire and differentiation of self. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.
As terapias de reposição hormonal assim como as novas moléculas (sildenafil, tadalafil) que lutam... more As terapias de reposição hormonal assim como as novas moléculas (sildenafil, tadalafil) que lutam contra as disfunções da ereção revelaram a demanda crescente na área da saúde sexual na segunda metade da vida. Entretanto, o lugar da sexualidade no processo de envelhecimento constitui um assunto particularmente contaminado por preconceitos. A complementaridade entre a teoria sociológica e a teoria psicanalítica permite esclarecer a dupla natureza deste fenômeno, em que o recalcamento intrapsíquico é fruto, em primeiro lugar, dos ideais culturais interiorizados. Com o propósito de uma comparação transcultural, procedeu-se à aplicação de um questionário amplo a duas amostras, uma brasileira e outra portuguesa, de maneira a caracterizar conhecimentos, atitudes, crenças e práticas sobre a vivência do corpo e da sexualidade de 187 pessoas entre 52 e 90 anos gozando de boa saúde física e mental.
Using the lenses of systemic family psychology and family sociology, this study explores the mean... more Using the lenses of systemic family psychology and family sociology, this study explores the meanings of couple intimacy and the factors that have an impact on it. Through the qualitative analysis of 33 joint couple interviews, several links were found between current intimacy debates (ie, togetherness versus autonomy), which help to build a complex picture of relationship dynamics. The participants’ perspectives provided three important results. First, couple intimacy was perceived as encompassing authenticity, sharing and trust, along with privacy, understanding and autonomy. Second, factors that have a negative impact on couple intimacy were related to the calibration of boundaries with other subsystems (especially work). Third, changing the everyday routine of couple life is the factor that influences intimacy in a most positive manner. These results allow us to provide a theoretical complexification and an empirical update of couple intimacy, as well as to contribute with relevant clues for couple therapy and preventive systemic interventions.
ABSTRACT Differentiation of self – the ability to emotionally self-regulate and to maintain a sen... more ABSTRACT Differentiation of self – the ability to emotionally self-regulate and to maintain a sense of autonomy within a deep intimate relationship – has been proposed as a relevant factor in couple satisfaction, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Sexual desire and intimacy have recently drawn increased attention due to the proposal that some of the relational benefits of long-term intimacy (e.g., predictability) might be detrimental to desire and satisfaction. This study aimed to test a model illustrating the role played by differentiation of self in couple satisfaction through the underlying mechanisms of sexual desire and intimacy, in a survey of 428 heterosexual individuals. The findings supported the proposed model, suggesting that differentiation of self is a predictor of desire, intimacy and couple satisfaction. Desire mediated the association between differentiation and couple satisfaction, and also the association between differentiation and intimacy. Intimacy mediated the association between desire and satisfaction. The model was sustained for women, but a different mechanism was found for men. The results provide support for the close association between intimacy, sexual desire and satisfaction, while suggesting that differentiation of self has a fundamental role in sexual desire, intimacy and couple satisfaction.
The question of what heightens or diminishes sexual desire has long been a passionate theme acros... more The question of what heightens or diminishes sexual desire has long been a passionate theme across cultures in literature, arts, media, and medicine. Yet, little research has been conducted to determine what affects level of desire within couples. The degree of differentiation of self has been suggested as an important variable in shaping partners' level of desire. Through a qualitative analysis of dyadic couple interviews, this study provides an account of characteristics, processes, and trajectories of sexual desire and differentiation in 33 heterosexual couples of varying ages and relationship duration. Factors associated with high desire were change and autonomy, whereas conflict and children were reported to be desire-diminishing factors. Innovation, sharing, autonomy, and effort emerged as desire-promoting strategies, while fostering personal interests, investing in a positive connection, and enhancing personal integrity were identified as couples' strategies to promote and preserve differentiation of self. The results also shed light on couples' perceptions of whether and how sexual desire changes over the course of the relationship and challenge common cultural assumptions about desire in committed relationships-namely the myth that the only authentic expression of desire is that which occurs spontaneously and without intention and planning. Implications for couple therapy are discussed.
... r). El objetivo principal de este estudio intenta mostrar la contribución de la Escala revisa... more ... r). El objetivo principal de este estudio intenta mostrar la contribución de la Escala revisada de Disimulación (Ds-r) de Gough (1957) a las escalas de Validez del MMPI-2 en su adaptación española (Ávila y Jiménez, 1999). ...
The scientific community underlines that one of the main challenges for couples is the effect of ... more The scientific community underlines that one of the main challenges for couples is the effect of time on sexual desire. Some studies suggest that although some dimensions associated with intimacy tend to increase during the relationship, sexual desire and the related constructs tend to decrease. Some researchers have recently suggested that couples' relationships with high degrees of sharing and fusion might be particularly detrimental for the sustenance of sexual desire. However, the authors found no empirical or theoretical studies that investigate the relations between intimacy and desire. Recovering the concept of differentiation as a possible influencing variable between intimacy and desire, this article develops reflections on this theme, which is of paramount relevance for the couple viability.
European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 1996
Page 1. Danilo R. Silva, Rosa Novo and Nina Prazeres The Evolution of Some Rorschach Variables in... more Page 1. Danilo R. Silva, Rosa Novo and Nina Prazeres The Evolution of Some Rorschach Variables in Portuguese Children The Evolution of Some Rorschach Variables in Portuguese Children Danilo R. Silva, Rosa Novo and Nina Prazeres Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal ...
This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is assoc... more This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is associated to it. Also, the Brazilian sample was compared to other two reference samples, an American and a Portuguese one. All participants (111 individuals) answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Ageism Survey, which is composed by items related to negative stereotypes, attitudes and elderly discrimination behavior. The results showed that the discrimination occurs more in social contexts, followed by those that occur in health contexts. As for the stress evaluation associated to the episodes of discrimination, in general, the mean of the items associated to stress was low. This may indicate that, for this sample, experiencing discrimination is not always related to stress.
The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience... more The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience while identifying the most stressful ones. It also aimed to test the hypothesis that resilience moderates the impact of stressful events on older persons’ well-being. The sample included 111 participants, ranging from 56 to 85 years, living independently in the community. Participants answered a demographic questionnaire, the Elders Life Stress Inventory, the shortened Psychological Well-Being Scales, and the Resilience Scale. Stressful events were analyzed according to their frequency and intensity. A mean of five events were reported by participants regarding their experiences over the last year. The most frequent events were memory deterioration, deterioration in health/behavior of a family member, death of a friend/family member, decrease in recreational activities, and personal injury/illness. The most stressful events were divorce/marital separation, parent institutionalization, and child, spouse or parent death. A main effect of resilience was found, high resilience being associated with higher well-being. A main effect of stressful events was also found, high stress being associated with less well-being. However, the interaction between resilience and stressful events did not yield a significant result. Interpersonal variations regarding psychological well-being in response to stressful life events may reveal that older people manifest different degrees of resilience, which in turn could help to reduce the impact of stress. This is an important aspect for successful aging which requires further research in order to find out factors which may enhance resilience in adversity, to promote positive outcomes through the life span.
This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is assoc... more This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is associated to it. Also, the Brazilian sample was compared to other two reference samples, an American and a Portuguese one. All participants (111 individuals) answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Ageism Survey, which is composed by items related to negative stereotypes, attitudes and elderly discrimination behavior. The results showed that the discrimination occurs more in social contexts, followed by those that occur in health contexts. As for the stress evaluation associated to the episodes of discrimination, in general, the mean of the items associated to stress was low. This may indicate that, for this sample, experiencing discrimination is not always related to stress.
The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience... more The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience while identifying the most stressful ones. It also aimed to test the hypothesis that resilience moderates the impact of stressful events on older persons’ well-being. The sample included 111 participants, ranging from 56 to 85 years, living independently in the community. Participants answered a demographic questionnaire, the Elders Life Stress Inventory, the shortened Psychological Well-Being Scales, and the Resilience Scale. Stressful events were analyzed according to their frequency and intensity. A mean of five events were reported by participants regarding their experiences over the last year. The most frequent events were memory deterioration, deterioration in health/behavior of a family member, death of a friend/family member, decrease in recreational activities, and personal injury/illness. The most stressful events were divorce/marital separation, parent institutionalization, and child, spouse or parent death. A main effect of resilience was found, high resilience being associated with higher well-being. A main effect of stressful events was also found, high stress being associated with less well-being. However, the interaction between resilience and stressful events did not yield a significant result. Interpersonal variations regarding psychological well-being in response to stressful life events may reveal that older people manifest different degrees of resilience, which in turn could help to reduce the impact of stress. This is an important aspect for successful aging which requires further research in order to find out factors which may enhance resilience in adversity, to promote positive outcomes through the life span.
The relationship between sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples has been frequently... more The relationship between sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples has been frequently discussed in clinical literature but lacks empirical support. This exploratory study investigates the associations between individual and dyadic levels of sexual desire, differentiation of self and couple satisfaction. Similarities and discrepancies in sexual desire and differentiation of self between partners were especially targeted. Partners were expected to have a lower discrepancy of differentiation of self than unrelated individuals (Bowen's similarity hypothesis). Partners' discrepancy in differentiation of self was expected to be negatively associated with sexual desire; and higher levels of sexual desire and differentiation in the dyad were expected be positively associated with couple satisfaction. Results suggest that partners' similarity regarding differentiation of self predicted individual sexual desire. Other findings suggest that couple satisfaction was positively associated with both sexual desire and differentiation of self. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.
As terapias de reposição hormonal assim como as novas moléculas (sildenafil, tadalafil) que lutam... more As terapias de reposição hormonal assim como as novas moléculas (sildenafil, tadalafil) que lutam contra as disfunções da ereção revelaram a demanda crescente na área da saúde sexual na segunda metade da vida. Entretanto, o lugar da sexualidade no processo de envelhecimento constitui um assunto particularmente contaminado por preconceitos. A complementaridade entre a teoria sociológica e a teoria psicanalítica permite esclarecer a dupla natureza deste fenômeno, em que o recalcamento intrapsíquico é fruto, em primeiro lugar, dos ideais culturais interiorizados. Com o propósito de uma comparação transcultural, procedeu-se à aplicação de um questionário amplo a duas amostras, uma brasileira e outra portuguesa, de maneira a caracterizar conhecimentos, atitudes, crenças e práticas sobre a vivência do corpo e da sexualidade de 187 pessoas entre 52 e 90 anos gozando de boa saúde física e mental.
Using the lenses of systemic family psychology and family sociology, this study explores the mean... more Using the lenses of systemic family psychology and family sociology, this study explores the meanings of couple intimacy and the factors that have an impact on it. Through the qualitative analysis of 33 joint couple interviews, several links were found between current intimacy debates (ie, togetherness versus autonomy), which help to build a complex picture of relationship dynamics. The participants’ perspectives provided three important results. First, couple intimacy was perceived as encompassing authenticity, sharing and trust, along with privacy, understanding and autonomy. Second, factors that have a negative impact on couple intimacy were related to the calibration of boundaries with other subsystems (especially work). Third, changing the everyday routine of couple life is the factor that influences intimacy in a most positive manner. These results allow us to provide a theoretical complexification and an empirical update of couple intimacy, as well as to contribute with relevant clues for couple therapy and preventive systemic interventions.
ABSTRACT Differentiation of self – the ability to emotionally self-regulate and to maintain a sen... more ABSTRACT Differentiation of self – the ability to emotionally self-regulate and to maintain a sense of autonomy within a deep intimate relationship – has been proposed as a relevant factor in couple satisfaction, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Sexual desire and intimacy have recently drawn increased attention due to the proposal that some of the relational benefits of long-term intimacy (e.g., predictability) might be detrimental to desire and satisfaction. This study aimed to test a model illustrating the role played by differentiation of self in couple satisfaction through the underlying mechanisms of sexual desire and intimacy, in a survey of 428 heterosexual individuals. The findings supported the proposed model, suggesting that differentiation of self is a predictor of desire, intimacy and couple satisfaction. Desire mediated the association between differentiation and couple satisfaction, and also the association between differentiation and intimacy. Intimacy mediated the association between desire and satisfaction. The model was sustained for women, but a different mechanism was found for men. The results provide support for the close association between intimacy, sexual desire and satisfaction, while suggesting that differentiation of self has a fundamental role in sexual desire, intimacy and couple satisfaction.
The question of what heightens or diminishes sexual desire has long been a passionate theme acros... more The question of what heightens or diminishes sexual desire has long been a passionate theme across cultures in literature, arts, media, and medicine. Yet, little research has been conducted to determine what affects level of desire within couples. The degree of differentiation of self has been suggested as an important variable in shaping partners' level of desire. Through a qualitative analysis of dyadic couple interviews, this study provides an account of characteristics, processes, and trajectories of sexual desire and differentiation in 33 heterosexual couples of varying ages and relationship duration. Factors associated with high desire were change and autonomy, whereas conflict and children were reported to be desire-diminishing factors. Innovation, sharing, autonomy, and effort emerged as desire-promoting strategies, while fostering personal interests, investing in a positive connection, and enhancing personal integrity were identified as couples' strategies to promote and preserve differentiation of self. The results also shed light on couples' perceptions of whether and how sexual desire changes over the course of the relationship and challenge common cultural assumptions about desire in committed relationships-namely the myth that the only authentic expression of desire is that which occurs spontaneously and without intention and planning. Implications for couple therapy are discussed.
... r). El objetivo principal de este estudio intenta mostrar la contribución de la Escala revisa... more ... r). El objetivo principal de este estudio intenta mostrar la contribución de la Escala revisada de Disimulación (Ds-r) de Gough (1957) a las escalas de Validez del MMPI-2 en su adaptación española (Ávila y Jiménez, 1999). ...
The scientific community underlines that one of the main challenges for couples is the effect of ... more The scientific community underlines that one of the main challenges for couples is the effect of time on sexual desire. Some studies suggest that although some dimensions associated with intimacy tend to increase during the relationship, sexual desire and the related constructs tend to decrease. Some researchers have recently suggested that couples' relationships with high degrees of sharing and fusion might be particularly detrimental for the sustenance of sexual desire. However, the authors found no empirical or theoretical studies that investigate the relations between intimacy and desire. Recovering the concept of differentiation as a possible influencing variable between intimacy and desire, this article develops reflections on this theme, which is of paramount relevance for the couple viability.
European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 1996
Page 1. Danilo R. Silva, Rosa Novo and Nina Prazeres The Evolution of Some Rorschach Variables in... more Page 1. Danilo R. Silva, Rosa Novo and Nina Prazeres The Evolution of Some Rorschach Variables in Portuguese Children The Evolution of Some Rorschach Variables in Portuguese Children Danilo R. Silva, Rosa Novo and Nina Prazeres Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal ...
This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is assoc... more This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is associated to it. Also, the Brazilian sample was compared to other two reference samples, an American and a Portuguese one. All participants (111 individuals) answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Ageism Survey, which is composed by items related to negative stereotypes, attitudes and elderly discrimination behavior. The results showed that the discrimination occurs more in social contexts, followed by those that occur in health contexts. As for the stress evaluation associated to the episodes of discrimination, in general, the mean of the items associated to stress was low. This may indicate that, for this sample, experiencing discrimination is not always related to stress.
The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience... more The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience while identifying the most stressful ones. It also aimed to test the hypothesis that resilience moderates the impact of stressful events on older persons’ well-being. The sample included 111 participants, ranging from 56 to 85 years, living independently in the community. Participants answered a demographic questionnaire, the Elders Life Stress Inventory, the shortened Psychological Well-Being Scales, and the Resilience Scale. Stressful events were analyzed according to their frequency and intensity. A mean of five events were reported by participants regarding their experiences over the last year. The most frequent events were memory deterioration, deterioration in health/behavior of a family member, death of a friend/family member, decrease in recreational activities, and personal injury/illness. The most stressful events were divorce/marital separation, parent institutionalization, and child, spouse or parent death. A main effect of resilience was found, high resilience being associated with higher well-being. A main effect of stressful events was also found, high stress being associated with less well-being. However, the interaction between resilience and stressful events did not yield a significant result. Interpersonal variations regarding psychological well-being in response to stressful life events may reveal that older people manifest different degrees of resilience, which in turn could help to reduce the impact of stress. This is an important aspect for successful aging which requires further research in order to find out factors which may enhance resilience in adversity, to promote positive outcomes through the life span.
This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is assoc... more This study measured the prevalence of ageism in Brazil, as well as the stress level that is associated to it. Also, the Brazilian sample was compared to other two reference samples, an American and a Portuguese one. All participants (111 individuals) answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Ageism Survey, which is composed by items related to negative stereotypes, attitudes and elderly discrimination behavior. The results showed that the discrimination occurs more in social contexts, followed by those that occur in health contexts. As for the stress evaluation associated to the episodes of discrimination, in general, the mean of the items associated to stress was low. This may indicate that, for this sample, experiencing discrimination is not always related to stress.
The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience... more The study aimed to identify the most frequent stressful life events that older persons experience while identifying the most stressful ones. It also aimed to test the hypothesis that resilience moderates the impact of stressful events on older persons’ well-being. The sample included 111 participants, ranging from 56 to 85 years, living independently in the community. Participants answered a demographic questionnaire, the Elders Life Stress Inventory, the shortened Psychological Well-Being Scales, and the Resilience Scale. Stressful events were analyzed according to their frequency and intensity. A mean of five events were reported by participants regarding their experiences over the last year. The most frequent events were memory deterioration, deterioration in health/behavior of a family member, death of a friend/family member, decrease in recreational activities, and personal injury/illness. The most stressful events were divorce/marital separation, parent institutionalization, and child, spouse or parent death. A main effect of resilience was found, high resilience being associated with higher well-being. A main effect of stressful events was also found, high stress being associated with less well-being. However, the interaction between resilience and stressful events did not yield a significant result. Interpersonal variations regarding psychological well-being in response to stressful life events may reveal that older people manifest different degrees of resilience, which in turn could help to reduce the impact of stress. This is an important aspect for successful aging which requires further research in order to find out factors which may enhance resilience in adversity, to promote positive outcomes through the life span.
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