Relationship fading in business-to-consumer context

The objective of this paper is to explain the phenomenon of relationship fading in a business-to-consumer (B2C) context and to identify the key antecedents and drivers in this process. Fading relates to a gradual decline in consumers’ willingness to continue a relationship with a company. Therefore it may help to elucidate the ‘unexplained’ relationship dissolution and customer defection. Led by an assumption that a relationship between a consumer and a brand is like the one between individuals, the paper proposes that the trajectory of relationship fading reflects disaffection processes similar to the ones suggested in marital and romantic relationships between individuals. Stages of the fading process and their characteristics are presented. Academic and practical implications are subsequently presented.

Relationship fading in business-to-consumer context

The objective of this thesis is to develop a better understanding of the relationship fading phenomenon in business-to-consumer context. Fading relates to a gradual decline in consumer’s willingness to continue a relationship with a company. Therefore, understanding the fading process may help to elucidate the ‘unexplained’ relationship dissolution and customer defection. Led by an assumption that a relationship between a consumer and a brand is like the one between individuals, the thesis proposes that the trajectory of relationship fading reflects the disaffection processes similar to the ones suggested in marital and romantic relationships between individuals. The approach taken to answering this research question is a multi-study approach. This type of approach allows addressing each individual research question independently, using the most appropriate research methods. As a result, the thesis comprises three adjacent studies. All three studies are linked and together contribute to a better understanding of the relationship fading process, which is the main topic of the thesis. Based on the results from the first study, a set of boundary conditions of relationship fading is identified. The results of the second study suggest that predictors of relationship fading stage can be uncovered. Thirdly, different restoration techniques are explored, aiming to describe their effectiveness in various relationship fading stages. Individual objectives of the three studies are accomplished. All three studies contribute to achieving the overall objective of the thesis, namely to developing a better understanding of the phenomenon of relationship fading.

Evaluating heavy episodic drinking effects on educational attainment

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are transition points that offer both opportunities and constraints on individual development. The purpose of this study is threefold: First, to examine two models (i.e., young adolescents in grades 7 and 8 and older adolescents in grade 12) of heavy episodic drinking and examine how heavy episodic drinking affects subsequent educational attainment. By utilizing two different developmental transitions, i.e., middle school to high school and high school to college, it may be possible to better understand the temporal effects of alcohol use and subsequent educational attainment. The second purpose of this study is to examine how alcohol use at Time 1 may lead to the problems in the adolescent's immediate context due to alcohol (i.e., problems with parents, peers, romantic relationships, problems at school) and to examine if these problems affect educational attainment over and above alcohol use alone. The third purpose of this study is to examine the potential gender differences in these models. The study uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which is a large scale, nationally representative school based sample of 20,745 adolescents who were interviewed in grades 7 to 12. Two longitudinal mediational models were evaluated utilizing structural equation modeling. Binge drinking and number of days drunk were used as indicators for a latent variable of heavy episodic drinking (i.e., LHED). In the 7th and 8th grade model, direct effects of LHED were found to predict educational attainment at grade 12. Additionally, in the 7th and 8th grade sample, a mediated relationship was found whereby educational attainment was predicted by problems with parents. Problems with parents were predicted by number of days drunk in the past year. In the 12th grade sample, there were no direct effects or indirect effects of alcohol on educational attainment. This study highlights the need for using a longitudinal framework when examining heavy episodic drinking's effects on educational attainment. ^

Parental and cultural influences on Hispanic college women's verbal intimate partner violence victimization: An examination of within group differences

Prior research has shown that college women in the United States are experiencing significantly high rates of verbal intimate partner violence (IPV); estimates indicate that approximately 20-30% of college women experience verbal IPV victimization (e.g., Hines, 2007; Muñoz-Rivas, Graña, O'Leary, & González, 2009). Verbal IPV is associated with physical consequences, such as chronic pain and migraine headaches, and psychological implications, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use (Coker et al., 2002). However, few studies have examined verbal IPV in college populations, and none have focused on Hispanic college women who are members of the largest minority population on college campuses today (Pew Research Center, 2013), and experience higher rates of IPV victimization (Ingram, 2007). The current dissertation sought to address these gaps by examining the influence of familial conflict strategies on Hispanic college women's verbal IPV victimization. Further, within group differences were explored, with specific attention paid to the role of acculturation and gender role beliefs. A total of 906 from two Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) in the southeastern (N=502) and southwestern (N=404) United States participated in the three part study. Study one examined the influence of parental conflict strategies on Hispanic women's verbal IPV victimization in current romantic relationships. Consistent with previous research, results indicated that parental use of verbal violence influenced verbal IPV victimization in the current romantic relationship. A unidirectional effect of paternal use of verbal aggression towards the participant on maternal verbal aggression towards the participant was also found. Study two examined the influence of parental conflict strategies, acculturation, and gender role beliefs on victimization. Acculturation and gender role beliefs were found to not have an influence on participants' verbal IPV victimization. Study three examined within-group differences using Study two's model. Differences were found between the southeastern and southwestern participants; gender role beliefs increased rates of verbal IPV victimization in the southeastern population. The current dissertation fills a gap in the literature on IPV experiences in Hispanic college populations, the importance of examining verbal IPV trends, and highlights importance differing cultural influences within populations traditionally viewed as homogenous. The implications for future research are discussed.^

Morningness-eveningness and sociosexuality: Evening females are less restricted than morning ones

Sociosexual orientation is a construct describing the propensity to engage in casual sex and sexual activity in uncommitted relationships, varying from restricted to unrestricted orientation. The personality profile of people exhibiting unrestricted sociosexuality matches a personality profile related to eveningness. Previous research on sociosexuality and morningness–eveningness is scarce, however, and conducted only with male participants. The present study aimed at testing whether eveningness is related to unrestricted sociosexuality in both genders. Participants were 352 (62.8% female) Poles aged between 17 and 57. They completed the reduced morningness–eveningness Questionnaire and the revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, consisting of three facets: behavior, attitude, and desire. The results revealed that females were more restricted than males in all facets of sociosexuality. Moreover, in both genders older age was related to less restricted behavior and attitude. Analyses showed that morningness– eveningness was unrelated to sociosexuality in males, but in females eveningness was linked to less restricted global sociosexuality .Eveningness in females could be regarded as a contributory factor to the instability of romantic relationships and high-risk sexual behaviors.

La place de la relation conjugale dans la réinsertion sociale des délinquants sous l’autorité des Services correctionnels du Québec

Rapport de stage présenté à la Faculté des arts et des sciences en vue de l’obtention du grade de Maître ès sciences (M.Sc.) en criminologie, option intervention

Factors Impacting Grandparent and Grand Child Communication Across Sex- Related Topics in Kenya

Background: Although many studies have investigated sexual communication between parents and children in Kenya, none have focused singularly on grandparent and grandchild communication when grandparents are primary caregivers. Further, few studies have asked about specific topics related to sex, instead asking generally about “sex related topics” or focusing on HIV/AIDS. This research aims to investigate communication on ten specific sex- related topics between grandparents who are primary caregivers and their grandchildren. The primary research aim was to identify facilitators and barriers to grandparent-grandchild communication associated with frequency of communication. A secondary exploratory question was whether frequency of communication and youth satisfaction with communication were associated with youth’s desire for more communication in the future. Methods: The study was conducted in urban and peri-urban central Kenya. A convenience sample of 193 grandparents and 166 twelve to fifteen year old grandchildren were identified by community health workers. A cross sectional survey assessed nine potential barriers or facilitators to communication (e.g., frequency of communication, perceived grandparent knowledge, grandparent sense of responsibility to communication on a given topic) on ten specified sex- related topics (e.g., peer pressure on sex topics, romantic relationships, condoms). Bivariate and multivariable analyses identified significant associations between communication variables and the outcomes of interest. Results: Bivariate regression showed that higher grandchild age, grandchild gender, higher perceived grandparent knowledge, higher perceived grandparent comfort, higher grandparent-reported sense of responsibility, higher grandparent-reported belief that child should be aware of a given topic before initiating in sex, and higher youth’s own comfort during communication, were significantly associated with higher levels of communication frequency. In the multivariable model, higher grandchild age, gender, higher comfort during communication, and higher perceived grandparent knowledge remained significantly associated with higher levels communication frequency. For the secondary research question, higher communication frequency and higher levels of youth satisfaction were both significantly associated with higher levels of youth desire for more communication in bivariate regression, and higher levels of youth’s satisfaction with communication remained significantly associated with higher levels of youth’s desire for more in the adjusted analysis. Conclusions: This study found that several potential barriers and facilitators of communication are associated with both frequency of and youth’s desire for more communication. The association between grandchild age, gender and perceived grandparent knowledge and frequency of communication is similar to findings from other studies that have examined sex-related communication between parent primary caregivers and children. This finding has important implications for understanding grandparent and grandchild communication, and communication on specific topics in a population from Kenya. The positive association between youth satisfaction of and desire for more communication has important education policy and intervention implications, suggesting that if youth are satisfied with the communication with their caregivers, they may want to learn more.

La place de la relation conjugale dans la réinsertion sociale des délinquants sous l’autorité des Services correctionnels du Québec

Rapport de stage présenté à la Faculté des arts et des sciences en vue de l’obtention du grade de Maître ès sciences (M.Sc.) en criminologie, option intervention

As Perceções sobre a Conjugalidade dos Pais, Satisfação com a Vida e as Experiências Próximas dos Filhos

Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as perceções dos estudantes universitários face à conjugalidade dos pais e as suas perceções sobre as relações amorosas e a satisfação com a vida. Metodologia: o protocolo de avaliação era composto por 4 questionários: Questionário sobre a Conjugalidade dos Pais (Crespo et al, em preparação); a Escala de Satisfação com a Vida (Neto, 1993), Questionário sobre Experiências em Relações Próximas (Moreira et al, 2006) e o questionário sociodemográfico para a caracterização da amostra. Participantes: Participaram neste estudo 172 estudantes. Noventa e um são do sexo masculino e 81 do sexo feminino, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 58 anos, com uma média de 23.04 (DP=6.78). Dos 172 participantes, apenas 96 estão numa relação amorosa (47 do sexo masculino e 49 do sexo feminino). Resultados: Os homens e os participantes deste estudo que fazem parte de famílias intactas percecionaram uma conjugalidade dos pais mais satisfatória; por outro lado, os participantes numa relação amorosa e os que fazem parte de famílias intactas percecionaram maior satisfação com a vida. Os participantes entre os 25 e os 58 anos, percecionaram maior evitamento nas suas relações. Conclusões: Deste trabalho conclui-se que os participantes têm uma perceção da conjugalidade dos pais positiva e estão, na globalidade, satisfeitos com a vida mas percecionam grande evitamento e preocupação nas suas relações amorosas. Conclui-se ainda que não existe uma correlação entre a perceção da conjugalidade dos pais e as experiências em relações próximas, nem com a perceção de satisfação com a vida. / Objectives: This study examines the general perceptions of university students about their parents’ marital relationship, their romantic relationships and life satisfaction. Methodology: The research protocol for this study comprised The Questionnaire about Parents’ Marital Relationship (Crespo et al., in preparation), the Life Satisfaction scale (Neto, 1993), the Questionnaire on Experiences in Close Relationships, (Moreira et al., 2006) and a sociodemographic questionnaire.. Participants: 172 students participated in this study, of which 91 were male and 81 female, aged between 18 and 58 years old, with an average age of 23.04 (SD = 6.78). From the total of 172 participants, only 96 were in a romantic relationship; out of these 47 were male and 49 female. Results: Men and participants from intact families reported a better perception of parents’ marital relationship; participants in a romantic relationship and from intact families had greater life satisfaction and participants between 25 and 58 years old perceived more avoidance in their relationships. Conclusion: Participants have a positive perceptions of parents’ marital relationship are satisfied with life, however they perceive anxiety and avoidance in their romantic relationships. We also conclude that there is no correlation between the perception of parents’ marital relationship and their experiences in close relationships and perception of life satisfaction.

Relações de Vinculação dos Jovens Institucionalizados com os Cuidadores Formais

No quadro da teoria da vinculação, é possível estabelecer relações de vinculação ao longo de toda a vida, sendo que, apesar dos jovens institucionalizados rejeitarem estabelecer novas relações de vinculação numa fase inicial, acabam por procurá-las, desde que essa figura desempenhe funções de cuidador responsivo, de modo estável e apoiante. Este estudo tem como objetivo principal perceber se as crianças e jovens acolhidos em Lares de Infância e Juventude (LIJ) estabelecem relações de vinculação com os cuidadores formais e compreender como essa relação foi construída. Foram utilizados os questionários Important People Interview (IPI; Kobak e Rosenthal, 2010) e Hierarquização das Figuras Significativas por Campos de Vida (HFSCV), criado para incluir os jovens que consideram não terem desenvolvido relações de vinculação com os cuidadores formais do LIJ. Foi, ainda, realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada. Apesar de usarmos uma metodologia quantitativa para análise dos resultados dos dois primeiros questionários, esta investigação prima sobretudo pela abordagem qualitativa, através do recurso à técnica de análise conteúdo das entrevistas. O estudo foi realizado no LIJ “Comunidade Juvenil de São Francisco de Assis”, localizado em Coimbra, contando com a participação de 16 jovens de ambos os géneros, com idades entre os 13 e os 19 anos (M=16; DP=1,8), com tempo de permanência no LIJ igual ou superior a 2 anos contínuos. Estes 16 jovens constituem a amostra total da investigação, sobre a qual incidiu a primeira parte do estudo (abordagem quantitativa), ao que se seguiu a segunda parte do estudo (abordagem qualitativa), que contou com a participação de uma subamostra de 11 jovens, pertencentes à amostra total. Os resultados sugerem que a maioria dos jovens estabeleceu relações de vinculação com os cuidadores formais do LIJ, sendo que a maioria das hierarquias das figuras de vinculação foram constituídas com base nos laços de familiaridade e na ligação afetiva com os seus cuidadores formais. Os jovens destacaram a compreensibilidade, confiabilidade e disponibilidade para o auxílio como sendo as características que determinaram a sua preferência em relação aos cuidadores formais do LIJ. Refira-se, ainda, que as situações que ativam a procura destas figuras estão relacionadas com a necessidade de apoio e proteção. O presente estudo sugere que é possível um LIJ promover relações semelhantes às desenvolvidas em meio familiar e atuar de forma reparadora ao nível das relações de vinculação. / In the attachment theory framework, one can establish attachment relationships throughout one's life. In the case of institutionalized youngsters, even though at first they seem to refuse new attachment relationships, these adolescents end up looking for them, if the person is perceived as a responsive, stable and supportive caregiver. The main goal of this study is to understand whether children and young people taken into Child and Youth Residential Care establish attachment relationships with formal caregivers and, if so, understand how that relationship is built. We have used the questionnaires Important People Interview (IPI; Kobak & Rosenthal, 2010) and Hierarquização das Figuras Significativas por Campos de Vida (HFSCV) (Hierarchization of Significant Figures by Life Fields), created to include the youngsters who consider not have developed attachment relations with Residential Care's formal caregivers. We have also conducted a semi-structured interview. Even though we used a quantitative methodology to process the results of the two inquiries, this research nevertheless privileges a qualitative approach, thorough the technique of analysis of interview content. The study was conducted at the “Comunidade Juvenil de São Francisco de Assis” residential care institution, in Coimbra, Portugal. It had the participation of 16 youngsters of both genders, with ages between 13 and 19 (M=16; DP=1,8), who had been staying at the home for two or more years, non-interrupted. These 16 adolescents are therefore the total sample for this study, and all of them were submitted to the first part (the quantitative approach) of the research. For the second part (the qualitative approach) we worked with a subsample of 11 youngsters, chosen from the initial sample of 16. Results suggest that most young people have indeed developed attachment relationships with residential care's formal caregivers, and most hierarchies of attachment figures were built based on familiarity and affection bonds with their formal caregivers. The subjects have highlighted understanding, trustworthiness and helpfulness as the features that best determine their preference regarding formal caregivers. We must note that the need for protection and support is what enables young people to look out for attachment figures the most. The current study suggests that it is possible for Child and Youth Residential Care to promote relationships similar to those developed in family environment and acts as repairing in what concerns attachment relationships.

Relational and reproductive trajectories leading to adolescent pregnancy in Portugal: a national and regional characterization

INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to describe the relational and reproductive trajectories leading to adolescent pregnancy in Portugal, and to explore whether there were differences in this process according to adolescents' place of residence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected between 2008 and 2013 in 42 public health services using a self-report questionnaire developed by the researchers. The sample consisted of a nationally representative group of pregnant adolescents (n = 459). RESULTS: Regardless of having had one (59.91%) or multiple sexual partners (40.09%), the majority of adolescents became pregnant in a romantic relationship, using contraception at the time of the conception and knowing the contraceptive failure which led to pregnancy (39.22%). In some regions other trajectories were highly prevalent, reflecting options such as planning the pregnancy (Alentejo Region/ Azores Islands), not using contraception (Centro Region/Madeira Islands) or using it incorrectly, without identifying the contraceptive failure (Madeira Islands). On average, romantic relationships were longer than 19 months and adolescents' partners were older than themselves (> 4 years) and no longer in school (75.16%); these results were particularly significant when the pregnancy was planned. DISCUSSION: The knowledge gained in this study shows that prevention efforts must be targeted according to the adolescents' needs in each region and should include high-risk male groups. CONCLUSION: Our results may enable more efficient health policies to prevent adolescent pregnancy in different country regions and support educators and health care providers on sexual education and family planning efforts.

Relational and reproductive trajectories leading to adolescent pregnancy in Portugal: a national and regional characterization

INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to describe the relational and reproductive trajectories leading to adolescent pregnancy in Portugal, and to explore whether there were differences in this process according to adolescents' place of residence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected between 2008 and 2013 in 42 public health services using a self-report questionnaire developed by the researchers. The sample consisted of a nationally representative group of pregnant adolescents (n = 459). RESULTS: Regardless of having had one (59.91%) or multiple sexual partners (40.09%), the majority of adolescents became pregnant in a romantic relationship, using contraception at the time of the conception and knowing the contraceptive failure which led to pregnancy (39.22%). In some regions other trajectories were highly prevalent, reflecting options such as planning the pregnancy (Alentejo Region/ Azores Islands), not using contraception (Centro Region/Madeira Islands) or using it incorrectly, without identifying the contraceptive failure (Madeira Islands). On average, romantic relationships were longer than 19 months and adolescents' partners were older than themselves (> 4 years) and no longer in school (75.16%); these results were particularly significant when the pregnancy was planned. DISCUSSION: The knowledge gained in this study shows that prevention efforts must be targeted according to the adolescents' needs in each region and should include high-risk male groups. CONCLUSION: Our results may enable more efficient health policies to prevent adolescent pregnancy in different country regions and support educators and health care providers on sexual education and family planning efforts.

Uma vida de relações falhadas: continuidade ou mudança?: estudo sobre a herança psíquica e os desamores narcísicos na vida adulta

Este estudo propôs-se investigar, como os Esquemas Iniciais Desadaptativos (EIDs) concebidos pelo indivíduo e a sua representação dos Estilos Parentais (EPs), influenciam na escolha amorosa da vida adulta considerando os relacionamentos amorosos de reparação narcísica: Submisso-Idealizador, Eufórico-Idealizante e Evitante-Desnarcisante. A amostra constituiu-se por 225 (jovens) adultos/as portugueses/as, entre os 23 e 63 anos, que tivessem tido ou possuíssem na altura do estudo uma relação amorosa. A investigação de natureza quantitativa utilizou como instrumentos o: Inventário de Tipos de Relacionamento Amoroso (ITRA), Questionário de Esquemas (QE) e Questionário de Estilos Parentais (QEP). Segundo os resultados, evidenciou-se a associação de EIDs0F 1 e EPs1F 2 mais precoces e rígidos (incondicionais) aos três tipos de relacionamento amoroso, verificou-se uma herança psíquica trans-geracional com conteúdos individuais e relacionais mantidos e apurou-se a necessidade de o sujeito procurar relações fornecedoras de uma imagem mais completa do seu self desestruturado, concluindo-se que houve uma continuidade de relações falhadas; Abstract: A lifetime of failed relationships: continuity or change? Study about the psychic heritage and narcissistic unlove in adulthood. This study proposes to investigate, how the Early Maladaptive Schemas (EIDs) conceived by the individual and, their representation about the Parental Styles (EPs), influence the choice of adulthood loving relationships considering the romantic relationships of narcissistic repair: Submissive-Idealizer, Euphoric-Idealizing and Avoidant-Devaluate. The sample consisted of 225 Portuguese (young) adults, between 23 and 63 years old, who have had or maintained at the time of the study a loving relationship. The quantitative research used as instruments the: Inventory Types of Loving Relationship (ITRA), Schema Questionnaire (QE) and Parental Styles Questionnaire (QEP). According to the results, it showed the association of more early and rigid (unconditional) EIDs2F 3 and EPs3F 4 with the three types of love relationship, it was found a trans-generational psychic inheritance with individual and relational content maintained and found out the need for the subject pursuit for supplier relations of a more complete image of your self unstructured, concluding that there was a continuity of failed relationships.

Violência nas relações íntimas juvenis

A violência nas relações íntimas juvenis (VRIJ) constitui uma problemática socialmente relevante, transversal a diferentes culturas e com potencial desestruturante no bem-estar dos jovens. Além disso, é igualmente sabido que a forma como as vítimas respondem a este tipo de abuso íntimo pode determinar a expressão e as dificuldades de ajustamento. Tendo por base esta realidade, a presente dissertação tem por objetivo geral caraterizar as vivências amorosas abusivas dos jovens adultos, o (des)ajustamento psicossocial daqueles que admitiram ter sofrido algum tipo de violência e as estratégias de coping que utilizam para fazer face ao impacto da VRIJ, com recurso ao Questionário de Vivências Amorosas Abusivas (QVAA) e ao Brief COPE. Para tal, recorreu-se a uma amostra intencional de 287 indivíduos, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 25 anos (M=22.08; DP=1.69). No total dos participantes envolvidos em relações amorosas, 13.9% dos jovens admitiram perpetrar atos abusivos contra o/a namorado/a, e 23.7% admitiram ter sido vítimas destes comportamentos, sendo a agressão psicológica a mais reportada tanto em termos de perpetração como de vitimação. Foi também possível verificar que as repercussões da VRIJ, nos jovens que admitiram a vitimação, se manifestam maioritariamente ao nível dos sentimentos e comportamentos, e que grande parte destes utilizam estratégias de coping do tipo ativo para lidarem com a situação. A partir dos dados obtidos pretende-se aprofundar o conhecimento sobre o fenómeno da VRIJ, procurando tecer algumas considerações sobre as estratégias interventivas a adotar na intervenção com as suas vítimas.

Los amantes bajo los olivos. El simbolismo erótico del olivo en el cancionero popular hispánico

Traditional popular poetry follows a certain culture and has a literary canon that is very different from written poetry by educated authors. Among the elements that distinguish this poetry and that emphasize the continual presence of symbolism, which is manifested in the connotative reading of the texts, is a symbolism that refers to eroticism and to the romantic relationships of men. In these folk songs nature acquires a distinct meaning of love, for example by means of the presence of the olive as a frequent motif in Andalusian, Hispanic and European songs.