Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Br J Health Psychol. 2018 Sep;23(3):646-664. doi: 10.1111/bjhp.12309. Epub 2018 Mar 30.
Hearing-, vision-, and dual-sensory loss have been linked to relational and psychological distress among adults with sensory loss (AWSLs) and their spouses. Regardless, research on factors associated with couples' adjustment is lacking. This study examined the stability and strength of associations between self-acceptance of sensory loss, perceived partner acceptance of sensory loss, and relationship satisfaction and psychological distress among AWSLs and their spouses over time.
A total of 122 AWSLs and their spouses completed an online survey at two time points over a 6-month period.
A multigroup (i.e., time 1 and time 2) actor-partner interdependence model assessed the stability and strength of actor and partner effects of self-acceptance and perceived partner acceptance on each partner's relationship satisfaction and psychological distress over time.
No moderation by time was identified, indicating stability in associations over the 6-month period. Overall, both actor and partner effects were evident. Specifically, self-acceptance among AWSLs was inversely associated with own psychological distress and the relationship satisfaction of spouses. Self-acceptance by spouses was inversely associated with the psychological distress of AWSLs and spouses. Perception of spouse acceptance by AWSLs was positively associated with own and spouse relationship satisfaction.
Interventions targeting acceptance that incorporate a family systems perspective may be beneficial in alleviating psychological and relational distress among couples coping with sensory loss. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? The experience of hearing and/or vision loss has been linked to heightened distress both psychologically and within intimate relationships. Prior research has demonstrated a link between an individual's ability to accept their sensory loss and healthier well-being. What does this study add? This is the first dyadic study of sensory loss acceptance and its link to relationship satisfaction and distress. Acceptance operates interpersonally protecting against distress for those with sensory loss and their spouses. Perceiving that one's spouse accepts the sensory loss is important for both partner's relationship satisfaction.
听力、视力和双重感觉丧失与感觉丧失的成年人（AWSL）及其配偶的关系和心理困扰有关。尽管如此，关于与夫妻适应相关的因素的研究仍然缺乏。本研究考察了自我接受感觉丧失、感知伴侣接受感觉丧失以及 AWSL 和他们的配偶之间的关系满意度和心理困扰随时间的稳定性和关联强度。
共有 122 名 AWSL 和他们的配偶在 6 个月的时间内分两个时间点完成了在线调查。
使用多组（即时间 1 和时间 2）演员-伙伴相互依存模型评估了自我接受和感知伴侣接受对每个伴侣的关系满意度和心理困扰的演员和伙伴效应随时间的稳定性和强度。
没有发现时间的调节作用，表明在 6 个月的时间内关联是稳定的。总体而言，演员和伙伴的影响都很明显。具体而言，AWSL 中的自我接受与自己的心理困扰和配偶的关系满意度呈负相关。配偶的自我接受与 AWSL 和配偶的心理困扰呈负相关。AWSL 对配偶接受的感知与自己和配偶的关系满意度呈正相关。
针对接受的干预措施，如果将家庭系统视角纳入其中，可能有助于减轻夫妻双方在应对感觉丧失时的心理和关系困扰。
