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(https://www.psypost.org/fast-food-consumption-is-associated-with-depression/) Fast food consumption is associated with depression
Dec 21st 2024, 08:00

An analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data revealed that each additional fast-food meal per week was associated with a 4% higher likelihood of depression. This association was largely independent of obesity, although obesity did mediate the link to some extent, particularly in individuals with severe obesity. The study was published in the (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.036) Journal of Affective Disorders.
Fast food refers to meals that are prepared and served quickly. It is sold in restaurants, drive-throughs, or takeaways, emphasizing convenience for busy consumers. Common examples of fast food include burgers, fries, pizza, fried chicken, and sandwiches. While fast food is often less expensive than dining at full-service restaurants, it is typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt—all of which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and weight gain.
Fast food has become a staple in many cultures, driven by urbanization, fast-paced lifestyles, affordability, and appealing taste. Critics of fast food highlight its potential role in contributing to obesity and health issues, while proponents emphasize its accessibility and affordability. Numerous studies have linked fast food-based diets to an increased risk of obesity. Research has also found that children living near fast-food restaurants tend to consume fewer servings of fruits and vegetables and are more likely to be overweight.
Study author Arman Shafiee and his colleagues sought to further explore the relationship between fast food, obesity, and depression. They were particularly interested in whether obesity might mediate the link between fast food consumption and depression. According to this hypothesis, increased fast food consumption could lead to obesity, which, in turn, could contribute to depression.
The researchers analyzed data from NHANES, a program conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. NHANES is a nationally representative survey designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States.
Data for this analysis came from 17,460 NHANES participants, with an average age of 48 years. Among these, 15,960 were women. Depression data were obtained using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, while dietary information was collected by asking participants how many meals they consumed from fast-food or pizza establishments in a typical week.
The results showed that 11% of participating women and 7% of men exhibited clinical levels of depression symptoms. Individuals with higher levels of education were less likely to experience depression. Participants consuming more than two fast-food meals per week had 24% higher odds of depression compared to those consuming fewer than two fast-food meals per week.
Further analysis revealed that the relationship between fast food consumption and depression was largely independent of obesity, with obesity contributing negligibly to the overall link. However, the relationship differed among individuals with moderate and severe obesity. Statistical analyses of these subgroups supported the hypothesis that obesity might mediate the link between fast food consumption and depression. Specifically, fast food consumption may exacerbate obesity in these individuals, which, in turn, could worsen their depression symptoms.
“The association between fast food consumption and depression is clear, and the relatively low mediating effect of obesity underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to promoting mental well-being. Public health strategies should prioritize not only weight management but also healthier dietary choices, recognizing that what we eat plays a crucial role in our mental health,” the study authors concluded.
The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the links between nutrition and mental health. However, it should be noted that for the overall sample, the mediating effect of obesity on the link between fast food consumption and depression was negligible. Additionally, the study’s design does not allow for causal conclusions to be drawn from the findings.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.036) Contribution of obesity in the association between fast-food consumption and depression: A mediation analysis,” was authored by Arman Shafiee, Sepehr Aghajanian, Ehsan Heidari, Mohammad Abbasi, Kyana Jafarabady, Sania Baradaran, and Mahmood Bakhtiyari.

(https://www.psypost.org/caffeine-can-disrupt-your-sleep-even-when-consumed-12-hours-before-bed/) Caffeine can disrupt your sleep — even when consumed 12 hours before bed
Dec 21st 2024, 06:00

A recent study published in (https://academic.oup.com/sleep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/sleep/zsae230/7815486) Sleep sheds light on the relationship between caffeine consumption and its impact on sleep. Researchers found that while a 100 mg dose of caffeine (roughly equivalent to one cup of coffee) can be consumed up to four hours before bedtime without significant effects on sleep, a 400 mg dose (comparable to four cups of coffee) disrupts sleep when taken up to 12 hours before bedtime. Importantly, the findings reveal that people often struggle to recognize the sleep disruptions caused by caffeine, especially when it is consumed earlier in the day.
Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant used to enhance alertness and counteract sleep deprivation. While prior research has highlighted caffeine’s general impact on sleep, it lacked clarity on how dosage and timing interact. The new study aimed to fill that gap by exploring how different doses of caffeine affect sleep when consumed at various intervals before bedtime.
With an estimated 40% of people worldwide struggling to get sufficient sleep and increasingly relying on caffeine to manage fatigue, understanding the specific timing and quantity that disrupts sleep is essential.
“We were interested in this topic because there is limited evidence to guide clear recommendations on the dose and timing of caffeine consumption relative to sleep,” said study author (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissa-gardiner-b08b91267/) Carissa Gardiner, a postdoctoral researcher at the (https://www.acu.edu.au/research-and-enterprise/our-research-institutes/sprint-research-centre) SPRINT Research Centre at the Australian Catholic University. “With approximately 80% of the population consuming caffeine, it may contribute to the high rates of sleep insufficiency currently reported. Understanding how caffeine dose and timing of intake affect sleep can help develop practical guidelines to minimise the negative impact on sleep.”
The researchers conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study involving 23 healthy male participants aged 18–40 years. To participate, individuals had to be moderate caffeine consumers (less than 300 mg per day) with no medical conditions or habits that might affect sleep. Female participants were excluded to avoid confounding effects related to hormonal cycles.
Each participant completed seven experimental conditions over a 21-day period. These conditions included consuming either 100 mg or 400 mg of caffeine—or a placebo—at 12, 8, or 4 hours before their typical bedtime. Participants followed a consistent sleep schedule, confirmed through wearable monitors and sleep diaries. During the experiment, caffeine was administered in capsules, and saliva samples were collected to verify caffeine levels in the body. Sleep was assessed both objectively, using a validated sleep-monitoring device, and subjectively, through participant-reported sleep quality and duration.
The findings highlighted a dose-dependent relationship, with higher doses causing more pronounced disruptions to sleep. Specifically, a 100 mg dose had no measurable impact on either objective or subjective sleep outcomes, even when consumed as little as four hours before bedtime. In contrast, a 400 mg dose caused disruptions to sleep even when consumed up to 12 hours before bedtime.
“Consuming 400 mg of caffeine within 12 hours of bedtime can negatively impact sleep, with the effects worsening the closer caffeine is consumed to bedtime,” Gardiner told PsyPost.
When participants consumed 400 mg of caffeine 12 hours before bedtime, they experienced noticeable disruptions to their sleep architecture, particularly a reduction in deep, restorative sleep (non-rapid eye movement stage 3). At this time point, total sleep time was modestly reduced, and participants experienced slightly more awakenings during the night.
These effects became more pronounced when the caffeine was consumed eight hours before bedtime. Sleep efficiency—calculated as the percentage of time spent asleep while in bed—dropped by 7%, and participants spent more time awake after initially falling asleep. This timing also led to an increased number of nighttime awakenings and further reductions in the duration of deep sleep.
The most significant sleep disruptions occurred when participants consumed 400 mg of caffeine four hours before bedtime. Sleep onset latency—the time it takes to fall asleep—increased by an average of 14 minutes, total sleep time was reduced by approximately 50 minutes, and deep sleep duration decreased substantially.
Sleep fragmentation also increased, with more frequent awakenings and a higher proportion of lighter sleep stages. Subjective assessments aligned with these findings; participants reported feeling less rested and experiencing lower sleep quality when they consumed 400 mg of caffeine four hours before going to bed.
Interestingly, participants had difficulty perceiving the full extent of sleep disruptions caused by caffeine, particularly when it was consumed 8 or 12 hours before bedtime. Although objective measures revealed significant increases in nighttime awakenings and reductions in deep sleep, participants’ subjective reports of sleep quality and restfulness did not consistently reflect these disturbances. This mismatch between objective and perceived sleep quality underscores the challenge consumers face in recognizing caffeine-induced sleep fragmentation, especially when consumption occurs earlier in the day.
“The mismatch between objective and subjective sleep was particularly interesting,” Gardiner said. “Many people believe caffeine doesn’t affect their sleep, but our findings suggest it may disrupt sleep even when individuals don’t perceive it.”
The researchers also examined genetic variations related to caffeine metabolism and sensitivity but was not large enough to draw definitive conclusions. Larger studies could better explore how genetics mediate individual responses to caffeine.
“My long-term goal is to continue building the evidence base to provide consumers with clear, evidence-based guidance on how to minimize caffeine’s impact on their sleep,” Gardiner said.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsae230) Dose and timing effects of caffeine on subsequent sleep: a randomized clinical crossover trial,” was authored by Carissa L Gardiner, Jonathon Weakley, Louise M. Burke, Francesca Fernandez, Rich D. Johnston, Josh Leota, Suzanna Russell, Gabriella Munteanu, Andrew Townshend, and Shona L. Halson.

(https://www.psypost.org/digital-maturity-is-associated-with-greater-social-connectedness-among-teens/) Digital maturity is associated with greater social connectedness among teens
Dec 20th 2024, 14:00

A recent study published in (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563224003418) Computers in Human Behavior suggests that digital maturity plays a key role in fostering social connectedness among adolescents. Researchers found that teens with higher digital maturity tend to feel more socially connected, but this connection is not simply a result of more active use of social media. Instead, factors such as engaging with real-life friends online and adopting compassionate goals in online interactions played mediating roles.
The increasing role of digital technologies in adolescents’ lives has brought both opportunities and challenges for social connectedness. Social connectedness—the sense of belonging and having positive relationships—is crucial for emotional well-being. However, despite constant online connectivity, reports of loneliness among young people are on the rise.
This paradox raises important questions: Does the way adolescents use digital tools determine whether their online interactions are beneficial? And could digital maturity—defined as the ability to use digital technologies in ways that support personal growth and societal integration—help explain differences in their experiences of social connectedness?
Previous research has explored various factors affecting online social interactions, such as the intensity of social media use and personality traits. However, few studies have examined digital maturity as a holistic ability influencing social connectedness. The researchers aimed to fill this gap, investigating how digital maturity shapes adolescents’ social interactions online and the mechanisms through which it fosters social connectedness.
“My goal is to investigate what kind of abilities enable young people to use digital technologies and social media in a beneficial way, taking advantage of the opportunities which the digital world offers while avoiding accompanying risk,” said study author Teresa Koch of the University of Vienna, who is affiliated with (https://digymatex.eu/) the Digymatex Project.
“I focus on the concept of digital maturity, which captures several abilities and attitudes which enable young people to use digital devices for personal growth and social integration. Considering the omnipresence of digital devices in our daily life, I think that it is crucial to better understand how we can make the most of them, while avoiding potential negative outcomes.”
The research involved two complementary studies: a longitudinal study and a cross-sectional study, each involving parent-adolescent pairs from different European countries. The total sample size across both studies was 573 participants.
Study 1 was a longitudinal study that followed 316 adolescents (average age 15) and their parents over one year. The adolescents’ digital maturity was assessed at the first wave using a comprehensive inventory measuring skills such as emotional regulation and respectful online behavior. At the second wave, adolescents reported their social connectedness, while both parents and adolescents evaluated the teens’ online activity as either active (e.g., posting, commenting) or passive (e.g., scrolling).
Study 2 was a cross-sectional study focused on 257 adolescents (average age 14) from Spain. The researchers examined whether engaging with real-life friends online and holding compassionate goals mediated the relationship between digital maturity and social connectedness. Adolescents completed surveys assessing their digital maturity, their goals for online interactions (compassionate versus self-image-focused), and their engagement with real-life versus virtual-only friends online.
Both studies used the Digital Maturity Inventory, which assesses regulation of negative emotions in digital contexts, respect towards others in digital contexts, and individual growth. Those who score high on this measure of digital maturity agree with statements such as “When using a mobile device, I watch my language when I disagree with someone, so that what I say doesn’t come across as mean” and “When using a mobile device, I learn something useful,” but disagree with statements such as “When using a mobile device, and I become annoyed or upset online, it takes me a long time to feel better.”
The researchers found that adolescents with higher digital maturity were more likely to use online platforms to strengthen their relationships with real-life friends rather than form relationships with virtual-only contacts. This engagement with real-life friends was strongly associated with higher social connectedness. It suggests that digitally mature adolescents are adept at using digital tools to maintain and enhance offline relationships, leveraging the online world to complement rather than replace in-person connections.
Another significant finding was the role of compassionate goals in online interactions. Adolescents with higher digital maturity were more likely to adopt compassionate goals—prioritizing others’ well-being and aiming to provide support. These goals were linked to higher social connectedness, underscoring the importance of the motivations behind online interactions. Adolescents who engage with others out of a genuine desire to foster positive relationships seem to reap greater emotional and social rewards.
“My study shows that adolescents with higher digital maturity also feel more socially connected to others, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally one year later,” Koch told PsyPost. “Adolescents with higher digital maturity use digital devices to engage with their friends from real life, rather than virtual-only friends, which seems to benefit their social connectedness. Also, they feel more compassionate towards others, which also seems to benefit their social connectedness.”
Interestingly, self-image goals, which focus on enhancing personal reputation, did not diminish the benefits of compassionate goals in this study. In fact, the results suggested a positive interaction between the two. While self-image goals are often viewed as self-serving and potentially harmful to relationship quality, the digital environment may provide a unique context where self-presentation can coexist with relationship-building.
Surprisingly, the researchers found that active use of social media (e.g., posting and commenting) was not a primary mechanism linking digital maturity to social connectedness. “We expected that with higher digital maturity, adolescents would use devices more actively, e.g. to communicate with friends, which would benefit social connectedness,” Koch explained. “However, this did not seem to be the case.”
In fact, the relationship between active use and social connectedness was inconsistent, with some measures suggesting a weak or even negative association. This finding calls into question the common belief that active engagement with digital platforms is socially beneficial. It appears that how and why adolescents engage online—such as with whom they interact and the goals they pursue—matter more than the sheer act of active participation.
The research highlights a significant relationship between digital maturity and social connectedness among adolescents. However, the correlational nature of the study does not confirm whether digital maturity leads to social connectedness or vice versa.
“One important consideration is that the findings of this study are all correlational,” Koch said. “While they can establish a temporal link of digital maturity to social connectedness one year later, no causal conclusions can be drawn whether digital maturity causes higher social connectedness.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108473) Socially (dis)connected in a connected world: The role of young people’s digital maturity,” was authored by Teresa Koch, Franziska Laaber, Alvaro Arenas, and Arnd Florack.

(https://www.psypost.org/childhood-sibling-bonds-predict-better-cognitive-health-in-old-age-study-finds/) Childhood sibling bonds predict better cognitive health in old age, study finds
Dec 20th 2024, 12:00

A recent study published in (https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/geronb/gbae191/7908129) The Journals of Gerontology: Series B sheds light on how early family dynamics and adult sibling relationships influence cognitive health in later life. The findings suggest that positive sibling interactions during childhood and frequent contact with siblings in adulthood are associated with better cognitive functioning in older adults.
Social relationships benefit cognitive health by stimulating mental processes, reducing stress, and encouraging healthy behaviors. While previous research has focused on relationships with spouses, parents, and children, less attention has been given to the role of siblings—who often have some of the longest-lasting relationships in a person’s life. Recognizing this gap, researchers sought to explore how childhood sibling interactions and adult sibling contact influence cognitive functioning in old age.
“The broader reasoning behind this study is that relationships are not built overnight. Especially in old age, family relationships reflect a history of countless years spent together,” explained study author (https://socwork.wisc.edu/staff/jooyoung-kong-msw-phd/) Jooyoung Kong, an assistant professor at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“My previous research has addressed this question through the lens of life course relationships with the original family of individuals who have experienced homes filled with various forms of violence and neglect. Specifically, I have examined how early experiences of violence and neglect affect adult children’s relationships with the parents who perpetrated the harm. The current research builds on my prior approach by exploring both positive and challenging childhood experiences within families and their impact on adult sibling relationships.”
The study utilized data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a long-term project that has followed over 10,000 high school graduates from 1957 and their siblings. This dataset, known for its breadth and depth, allowed researchers to examine sibling relationships and cognitive health over decades.
To ensure robust analysis, the researchers included sibling respondents who provided retrospective reports of childhood interactions and participated in multiple waves of data collection. They focused on data from four survey periods: 1994, 2005, 2011, and a newly collected dataset from 2020.
Childhood interactions were categorized into positive and negative domains. Positive interactions included acts of mutual support, such as helping and hugging, while negative interactions covered conflict-related behaviors like insults and physical aggression. Participants also reported adverse childhood experiences, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.
The researchers evaluated adult sibling relationships based on two key dimensions: emotional closeness and contact frequency. Emotional closeness was assessed through a single question that asked participants to rate how close they felt to their sibling. Contact frequency was measured by asking how often they interacted with their sibling in the past year through in-person visits, phone calls, or letters.
Cognitive functioning in older adults was assessed using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified, a widely used screening tool that evaluates memory, attention, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities. Scores on this test range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance. This measure provided an overview of participants’ cognitive health in their early 80s.
The researchers found that participants who reported positive experiences with their siblings in childhood were more likely to maintain frequent contact with those siblings later in life. This finding highlights the enduring nature of early relationship patterns and the importance of nurturing positive bonds within the family.
Interestingly, negative sibling interactions during childhood did not show a clear impact on adult sibling relationships. The researchers suggest this may be because the intensity of the negative interactions measured was not severe enough to leave lasting scars or because strained relationships can improve over time.
Adverse childhood experiences, on the other hand, were associated with less frequent contact between siblings in adulthood. These findings align with existing research that suggests a challenging family environment can weaken sibling bonds.
“Negative interactions with siblings, such as verbal and physical aggression, do not seem to have lasting effects on these relationships in late adulthood,” Kong told PsyPost. “Rather than such direct negative interactions, challenging family environments—characterized by abuse, neglect, or mental health issues among household members—can lead to reduced solidarity among siblings. Overall, these findings suggest that a positive family environment, which fosters quality, affectionate interactions among family members, may have a significant long-term impact.”
Importantly, the frequency of contact between adult siblings emerged as a significant factor in cognitive health. Participants who maintained regular interactions with their siblings demonstrated better cognitive functioning in their 80s. This finding suggests that sibling contact may provide cognitive stimulation and emotional support, which can help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Surprisingly, emotional closeness did not show a direct relationship with cognitive health. While closeness is often associated with psychological well-being, the researchers suggest that the cognitive benefits of sibling relationships may stem more from the frequency of interactions and the opportunities for engagement they provide.
The researchers found that the impact of childhood sibling interactions and adverse childhood experiences on cognitive health was largely indirect. Positive childhood interactions led to more frequent sibling contact in adulthood, which in turn was associated with better cognitive outcomes. Conversely, adverse childhood experiences reduced sibling contact, contributing to lower cognitive performance. These pathways highlight the cumulative effects of family relationships over the life course.
“The key takeaway from this research is that having quality sibling relationships during childhood—such as hugging, helping each other, and enjoying time together—can enhance older adults’ cognitive health through stronger cohesion with adult siblings,” Kong said. “Specifically, positive sibling relationships in childhood can contribute to increased contact and emotional closeness with siblings in adulthood, which can positively influence cognitive functioning later in life.
“Conversely, growing up in a troubled family environment—such as one characterized by abuse, neglect, or mental health problems—can adversely affect your contact and emotional closeness with your siblings, and these long-term associations may be linked to cognitive impairment in late adulthood.”
To account for potential confounding factors, the researchers controlled for demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, health status, and education. They also included measures of family context, such as the number of siblings and childhood socioeconomic status. But as with all research, there are some limitations.
“One of the major limitations is that the study sample was mostly White and had completed at least a high school education with a relatively high socioeconomic status. Thus, our findings may not fully represent ethnic or racial minorities and those with low socioeconomic status,” Kong noted.
“The long-term goal of my research is to address the various experiences within families, with a particular focus on developing theories or hypotheses about the long-term impact of violence experienced within the family on life-course family relationships. For some, family is a lifelong source of support, while for others, it can be a lifelong struggle. I hope this line of research will contribute to enabling more people to engage with and address the challenges that are both experienced and ongoing within families.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbae191) Life Course Associations of Sibling Relationships and Cognitive Functioning in Late Adulthood,” was authored by Jooyoung Kong, Sara M. Moorman, Gina Lee, and Michal Engelman.

(https://www.psypost.org/sexual-satisfactions-link-to-marital-happiness-grows-stronger-with-age/) Sexual satisfaction’s link to marital happiness grows stronger with age
Dec 20th 2024, 10:00

A new study has found that the relationship between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction strengthens as individuals grow older, contrary to the belief that its importance diminishes over time. Published in (https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1027/1864-9335/a000554) Social Psychology, the study found that age, rather than the length of a marriage, plays the dominant role in this trend, suggesting that couples may increasingly value sexual satisfaction as they grow older.
Researchers Yoav Ganzach and Asya Pazy aimed to re-examine prior findings about how sexual satisfaction influences marital satisfaction over time. Previous studies, including one conducted by (https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1007/s10508-016-0847-7) Lazar in 2017, suggested that sexual satisfaction’s impact on marital satisfaction increases with the length of a marriage. However, Lazar’s study was based on a small, non-representative sample of Israeli women, raising questions about its generalizability.
“My paper responds to a study that argued the importance of sex to relationship satisfaction increases with marital duration. That study was based on a small sample of religious Jewish women. To me, this conclusion did not seem to make sense as a general statement about the role of sex and age in relationship satisfaction. To test this idea further, I used a large, publicly available, and representative sample,” explained Ganzach, a professor at Tel Aviv University.
To investigate, the researchers analyzed data from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS), a large longitudinal project examining various aspects of aging. The dataset included participants aged 25 to 74, allowing the researchers to capture a wide range of life stages and marital experiences.
The sample for this analysis included 1,472 women and 1,415 men, all of whom were married or in long-term relationships and had provided information about their sexual and marital satisfaction. Participants rated their sexual satisfaction on questions related to their enjoyment, control, and effort in their sexual lives, using a scale from 0 to 10. Marital satisfaction was assessed through questions about their relationship quality, future expectations, and perceived effort in maintaining the marriage, also on a 0-to-10 scale.
The researchers accounted for factors such as religiosity, income, and education while controlling for potential interactions between age, marital duration, and sexual satisfaction. They used robust statistical methods to ensure their findings could reliably distinguish between the effects of age and marital duration, which are often highly correlated.
The key finding from the study was the role of age in shaping the link between sexual and marital satisfaction. As individuals grow older, sexual satisfaction appears to play a more substantial role in their overall marital happiness. This may reflect changing priorities in later life, where emotional closeness, intimacy, and shared experiences become more valued. The researchers speculated that aging could lead to a greater appreciation of the sexual aspects of relationships, possibly due to an increased understanding of one’s desires or improved communication with a long-term partner.
Interestingly, the study also highlighted gender differences in these dynamics. For women, the findings showed a clear and consistent pattern: as they aged, the importance of sexual satisfaction in contributing to their overall marital happiness increased. Marital duration, however, did not appear to have a significant impact.
For men, the relationship was more complex. While age played a role similar to that observed in women, marital duration also influenced how sexual satisfaction impacted marital happiness. In particular, sexual satisfaction appeared to have a stronger effect on marital satisfaction for men in shorter marriages compared to those in longer marriages.
This may reflect shifting priorities in relationships over time. In the earlier stages of marriage, men might place greater emphasis on sexual satisfaction as a cornerstone of their marital happiness. As the marriage lengthens, other factors—such as companionship, shared goals, or family responsibilities—might take precedence, reducing the relative weight of sexual satisfaction.
“The importance of sex to relationship satisfaction decreases with marital duration,” Ganzach told PsyPost. “These results align with common sense. What surprised me was the study I critiqued. In psychology, surprising results are often incorrect, though they frequently attract attention.”
Another notable finding involved religiosity, particularly among men. The researchers discovered that sexual satisfaction was a stronger predictor of marital happiness for less religious men, whereas it played a smaller role for men with higher levels of religiosity. This interaction was not observed in women, suggesting that cultural or personal beliefs about sexuality and marriage might shape how sexual satisfaction contributes to overall relationship satisfaction.
But the study, like all research, includes some caveats. “My sample focused on individuals in middle age, so these findings may not generalize to younger people,” Ganzach said. “To build on this work, I aim to expand the age range of participants in future research and include more specific information about sexual activities, such as the frequency of sexual encounters.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-9335/a000554) Does the Importance of Sex to Marital Satisfaction Decrease or Increase With Time?: A Close Replication,” was published October 24, 2024.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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