Abstract

Remarriages are more structurally diverse, last less time, are more vulnerable, and at greater risk for divorce than first marriages. The newlywed stage of marriage is a critical time when relationship patterns are established or reinforced that can impact a relationship for years to come, yet very few studies have examined remarried relationships in the newlywed stage. This study examined the association between marital interaction, positive communication, and marital instability in 348 newlywed remarried couple participants from a nationally representative sample. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) and actor-partner interdependence model with mediation (APIMeM), the findings indicated that positive communication was indirectly related to increased marital interaction and decreased marital instability. Wife and husband increased marital interaction was related to their own (individual) increased positive communication. Wife and husband increased positive communication was related to their own decreased marital instability and to their partner's decreased marital instability. These findings suggest that marital interaction and positive communication are important factors in promoting marital stability in newlywed remarriages. Implications for relationship educators and therapists are proposed.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2023-06-22

Document Type

Dissertation

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd13271

Keywords

newlywed couple, remarriage, communication, marital interaction, couple time, marital stability, APIMem

Language

english

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