Examining the Link Between Exercise and Marital Arguments in Clinical Couples

Keywords

exercise, marriage, daily diary, relationships

Abstract

Couples experiencing clinical levels of distress likely experience marital arguments. Exercise may attenuate such conflict. The current study examined daily links between exercise and the number and intensity of marital arguments, relationship satisfaction, stress levels, and argument topics. Participants included 36 heterosexual couples in a treatment-as-usual setting who completed the Daily Diary of Events in Couple Therapy. Results indicated a positive relationship between female hours of exercise and argument intensity for both partners. The number of hours males exercise was not significantly related to any variables; however, male daily stress was significantly related to female report of argument intensity. This suggests that although exercise has empirically supported benefits for individuals, clinical couples may also experience increased argument intensity in connection with exercise.

Original Publication Citation

Johnson, L.N., Selland, B., Mennenga, K.D., Oka, M. Tambling, R., Anderson, S.R., & Miller, R.B. (published online 7/30/17). Examining the link between exercise and marital arguments in clinical couples. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. DOI: 10.1037/cfp0000085.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2017-9

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5314

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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