A new study suggests that high-quality romantic relationships are associated with fewer psycho-social difficulties in adolescence and young adulthood.
The authors were interested in learning that when in youth's development the quality of a romantic relationship begins to be protective. In the study , 100 male and 100 female tenth graders from predominantly middle to upper-middle class neighbourhoods and a range of racial and ethnic backgrounds completed questionnaires for nine years. The researchers examined how support in the romantic relationship, conflict, and individuals' perceived satisfaction with the relationship were related to those indices of psycho-social adjustment. They also looked at how the ties between qualities of romantic relationships and youth's psycho-social adjustment changed as the youth grew into young adults.Charlene Collibee of the University of Denver said they found that relationships that were more supportive and satisfying, and those that had fewer negative interactions were associated with better psycho-social adjustment, above and beyond the effects of simply being in a relationship. Collibee concluded it was not just having a romantic relationship that's linked to psycho-social functioning, but the nature of that relationship.
Wonder why your wife/girlfriend seems "off sex" of late? Why does she complain of a headache just when you are in the mood? Fact is, as with men, sex is a big issue for women too. Only, due to conditioning or lack of awareness.
Generally, women realise they have sexual problems only :
- It affects their relationship
- Their partner starts complaining
- When they are depressed
- When they themselves get involved in an extra-marital affair.
Younger women :
Sexual problems relate more to body image issues and 'performance anxiety'. Especially if they feel sex is the only way they can hold on to their relationship.
That will change your life in 2015
Giving our selves a mental makeover could be just as important as giving ourselves a physical one. But accomplishing that doesn't just lie in changing our thoughts -it's also dependent on changing our words.
How we speak -to others and to ourselves -has a huge impact on our overall outlook. So isn't it about time we started paying more attention to what we're communicating. Using your words to change your life?
PLEASE
It's among the smallest of words, but it suggests the biggest of manners -which, quite honestly, need to make a comeback. There are a host of benefits that come with practicing good man ners, from increasing social connection to helping you unplug.And think about it: Are you more likely to fulfill a favor if someone asks you nicely.
BECAUSE
It's a simple word, but it could help you get what you want. According to research published in the new book Magic Words: The Science and Secrets Behind Seven Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence, those who reasoned with "because" in a sentence were more likely to receive what they asked for than those who made a request without the word.
I'M BUSY
This one is incredibly important. Put this phrase in your memory -then completely erase it. In the past year, we've been more burned out than ever, and our constant busyness is standing in the way of our capacity for joy. There's to the end of glorification for our culture's busyness, getting things done on little sleep, and feeling like we have to catch up with the race -because ultimately there is no race except for the one we assign ourselves to." In 2015, let's eliminate the word busy.
THANK YOU
According to Binghamton University research, only a third of people accept a compliment graciously. It's no secret that many of us get squeamish when receiving compliments -and as a result, the response is usually laced with self-depre cating humour that brushes off a genuine statement.
GOOD NIGHT
This phrase by itself isn't as important as when you say it. Say it as soon as you're tired. Too often, one of the first things we neglect is sleep, when we really should be prioritising it. According to a recent survey, more than half of American adults say they need at least eight hours of sleep --but nearly three quarters say they get less than that.
GRATEFUL
Research shows that expressing gratitude can make us happier and healthier -both common resolutions at the start of the new year. Keep a gratitude journal or just reflect on what you're thankful for at the end of each day.
OH WELL
Not everything is going to turn out the way we planned and that's more than OK. Accepting life as it is instead of worrying about how it "should" be can be a freeing feeling.Stressing over the little things can negatively impact our lifespan, take a toll on our bodies and more. As one of the most popular songs advised, Let it go.
MAY I HELP YOU ?
If someone you love is going through a hard time, sometimes the best way to support them is just offering to do so. "If you really want to help somebody, then the way you should go about it is to ask yourself if you can be supportive of the individual in a way that allows them to tell you about what they're experiencing and why they may be experiencing that," said Todd Farchione, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.Helping others isn't just good for them, it also can give you a boost.Research shows that giving back can increase self-satisfaction and a sense of purpose, while volunteering can improve longevity.
CAN YOU HELP
Asking for help also carries weight. There's nothing wrong with admitting that you need a little assistance. In fact, it can be transformative. We're often worried that asking for help makes us look stupid, but one study found that seeking advice can actually make you appear more competent.
