Collaborative communication efficiency is linked to relationship satisfaction in dating couples

Abstract

The speed, or efficiency, in which people communicate is linked to positive interpersonal outcomes. However, no studies of communication efficiency have examined romantic partners, making it unclear whether efficient communication is linked to relationship satisfaction above and beyond previously identified communication skills (e.g., problem solving). We recruited dating couples (N = 56) to attend a laboratory session to complete survey measures and a collaborative communication task. Multilevel models demonstrated that both task efficiency (β = -.36, p = .04) and self-reported problem-solving communication skills (β = .28, p = .002) were associated with relationship satisfaction. Results suggest that communication task efficiency can be meaningfully applied to the study of romantic relationships and couple communication skills.

Development and validation of the relational behavior interactions scale for couples

“…Additionally, communicating openly with one's partner is associated with a better understanding of each other's needs, feelings, and wants. When both partners feel supported and understood by the other, it can lead to a deeper bond and greater satisfaction in the relationship 65 , 66 .…”

The role of couple dynamics in contraception decision-making.

“…Couples with predominately positive communication patterns are linked to relational equality (Giordano et al, 2010), emotional warmth, and relationship satisfaction (Bannon et al, 2020), whereas negative communications perpetuate hierarchy, domination, and create sustained power imbalances (Giordano et al, 2010). Perhaps unsurprisingly, negative communication patterns predict emotional disconnection and lower long-term relationship satisfaction (Bannon et al, 2020). Canary et al (1997) observed gender stereotypes of communication patterns were largely unfounded and women more frequently utilized communication strategies to increase relational power.…”

“…Differences in communication patterns show power differentials within the couple’s relationship. Couples with predominately positive communication patterns are linked to relational equality (Giordano et al, 2010), emotional warmth, and relationship satisfaction (Bannon et al, 2020), whereas negative communications perpetuate hierarchy, domination, and create sustained power imbalances (Giordano et al, 2010). Perhaps unsurprisingly, negative communication patterns predict emotional disconnection and lower long-term relationship satisfaction (Bannon et al, 2020).…”

“…We wanted to understand how couple dynamics were related to who makes the contraception decision by examining the dyad concurrently. Our hypotheses are derived from couple dynamic models (e.g., Bannon et al, 2020; Beaulieu et al, 2011; Giordano et al, 2010; Gottman, 1999), showing more egalitarian relationships (i.e., more relationship satisfaction and positive communication) could be related to a more autonomous choice for contraception by women; whereas more power imbalances could predict male-driven decisions (i.e., men with more societal power, more negative communication such as physical altercations or coercion present in the relationship). We predicted positive actor and partner effects of positive communication and relationship satisfaction on women’s contraceptive decision-making.…”

Efectos del humor, soledad y la ideación del divorcio en la satisfacción conyugal y vital de adultos peruanos casados

“…llevan asociadas una gran carga emocional que pueden condicionar la percepción y valoración que hacen las personas de su situación personal e, incluso, el propio estado conyugal (estar soltero, casado o divorciado). Esto puede ser un condicionante del nivel de felicidad manifestado (Alarcón, 2001;Bannon et al, 2020;Bastida et al, 2017).…”