Keywords

conflict resolution, couple relationships, relationship quality

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop a structural equation model that tested the effects of emotional reactivity on the relational health of a representative sample of 736 premarital couples. We hypothesized that partners’ perceived family-of-origin experience would be predictive of partners’ reports of their own and their partners’ emotional reactivity. These reports were hypothesized to predict partners’ reports of their own and their partners’ ability to manage conflict, which were hypothesized to predict relationship satisfaction. Overall, the model fit the data quite well, with particularly interesting differences by gender. We discuss the model’s fit within the larger body of literature, the potential implications and limitations of our findings, and future research considerations.

Original Publication Citation

Gardner, B. C., Busby, D. M., & Brimhall, A. S. (2007). Putting emotional reactivity in its place? Exploring family-of-origin influences on emotional reactivity, conflict, and satisfaction in premarital couples. Contemporary Family Therapy, 27, 113-127.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2007-06-28

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7408

Publisher

Contemporary 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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