Observational Research of Negative Communication and Self-Reported Relationship Satisfaction

Keywords

negative communication in couples, relationship satisfaction, self-report assessment

Abstract

Clinical researchers suggest more real-world types of data are needed to understand negative communication in couples. This study asked, what is the relationship between partners’ reports of relationship satisfaction and frequencies of observed markers of negative communication? Fifty-three clinical and community couples completed self-report assessments and ten-minute discussions of relationship concerns. Data were analyzed using pooled regression to account for both actor and partner effects of relationship quality scores on hostility, distress-maintaining attributions, dysphoric affect, and withdrawal. Results yielded a significant actor female effect for hostility and a significant male-to-female partner effect for distress-maintaining attribution.

Original Publication Citation

Oka, M., Whiting, J. B., & Reifman, A. (2015). Observational research of negative communication and self-reported relationship satisfaction. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 43, 378-391. doi: 10.1080/01926187.2015.1052311

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-07-15

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5029

Publisher

The American Journal of Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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