Sexual intimacy challenges as markers of relational turbulence in couples with depression

Abstract

Using the relational turbulence model, I test a model in which relational uncertainty and interference from a partner mediate the relationship between depressive symptoms and sexual intimacy challenges for couples with depression. Couples in whom one or both partners were clinically diagnosed with depression completed an online survey of closed-ended items. Results suggest depressive symptoms associate with relational uncertainty, and men’s depressive symptoms predict both their own and their partner’s interference from a partner. Interference from a partner emerged as a mediator for sexual intimacy challenges. The findings highlight partner interference as a mechanism of upheaval for couples with depression, and the results stand to help practitioners identify and mitigate sexual intimacy challenges.