{"paper_id":"164b4935-e007-4de9-910c-e6eab666b9a8","body_text":"Abstract\nEndometriosis affects women of reproductive age and is associated with higher levels of sexual and relational distress. Despite the relational context of endometriosis, the research pertaining to dyadic relationship goals is lacking. An exploration of the relationship goals of couples coping with endometriosis can facilitate the understanding of potential protective mechanisms that mitigate the relational components of the condition. Guided by the approach-avoidance theoretical framework, the current cross-sectional study aimed to examine the role relationship goals play in sexual and relationship satisfaction in couples coping with endometriosis. Approach goals relate to the pursuit of a positive outcomes, whereas avoidance goals relate to the avoidance of negative outcomes. Women with endometriosis and their partners (N = 61) completed an online survey measuring relationship goals and relationship and sexual satisfaction. The study results indicated that, for women, their own and their partner’s higher relationship approach goals were linked to higher sexual satisfaction. For partners of women with endometriosis, their own higher relationship approach goals were associated with their own higher relationship satisfaction. Higher relationship avoidance goals in both women with endometriosis and partners were associated with higher relationship satisfaction. The study’s findings highlight relationship goals as relevant to the relational and sexual experience of couples coping with endometriosis. When treating women with endometriosis, the inclusion of partners and consideration of factors beyond the physical illness are important for a holistic management approach.\nSimilar content being viewed by others\nReferences\nBiswas-Diener, R., & Diener, E. D. 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American Journal of Health Studies, 16(2), 73–84.\nAuthor information\nAuthors and Affiliations\nCorresponding author\nEthics declarations\nEthical Approval\nEthics approval was obtained from the University of Tasmania’s Social Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Ref No: H0017516).\nAdditional information\nPublisher's Note\nSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.\nRights and permissions\nAbout this article\nCite this article\nMcKay, C.L., Van Niekerk, L.M. & Matthewson, M.L. An Exploration of Dyadic Relationship Approach-Avoidance Goals and Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction in Couples Coping with Endometriosis. Arch Sex Behav 51, 1637–1646 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02150-1\nReceived:\nRevised:\nAccepted:\nPublished:\nVersion of record:\nIssue date:\nDOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02150-1","source_license":"CC0","license_restricted":false}