Predicting marital satisfaction from behavior

Do all roads really lead to Rome

Dados Bibliográficos

ID18964977
AutoresDebra S Gill (University of California, Los Angeles, autor correspondente), Andrew Christensen (0000-0002-1694-7050, University of California, Los Angeles), F D Fincham (0000-0001-5081-2283, University of Wales Institute Cardiff)
Ano1999
Volume6
Fascículo3
Páginas369-387
Data de publicação1999-09-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoPersonal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1350-4126 • E-ISSN: 1475-6811
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1475-6811.1999.tb00198.x
OpenAlexW1984110628
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas29
Referências citadas31

The concurrent and longitudinal associations between spousal communication and marital satisfaction were investigated using two systems of observation (rating and coding) and two statistical methods. A coding system and a rating system were used to assess the amount of positive, negative, and avoidant behavior exhibited by 30 couples engaged in a 15‐minute discussion about a marital problem. Change scores as well as regression methods were used to calculate correlations between communication behaviors and one‐year change in Marital Adjustment Test (MAT) scores. Positive behavior by both spouses predicted an increase in wives' satisfaction, and negative behavior by both spouses predicted a decrease in wives' satisfaction. None of the variables consistently predicted changes in husbands' satisfaction. The two systems of observation and the two methods of analysis produced similar though not identical results. The article discusses the constructs of negative and avoidant behavior, reviews limitations of standard marital research methods, and offers theoretical and methodological recommendations for future research

Developmental psychology · Partner effects · Regression analysis · Statistics · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Psychology · Social Psychology