Longitudinal prediction of marital discord from premarital expressions of affect.

Abstract

Theoretical and empirical analyses suggest that affective features of dyadic communication bear importantly on relationship satisfaction. A circumplex model that originated in research on the structure of affect was first replicated using data from premarital problem-solving discussions. Negativity, Positivity, and Disengagement emerged as the three primary factors. Multiple regression analyses, controlling for premarital relationship satisfaction, showed affective Disengagement at premarriage to be negatively associated with marital satisfaction at 18 (n = 84) and 30 (n = 72) months after marriage. Negativity of premarital affective expression correlated negatively with premarital satisfaction (n = 88) but not with postmarital satisfaction. Two variables formed by combining affect factors contributed to the prediction of 30-month marital satisfaction. Elements associated with current marital satisfaction appear to differ from those associated with later marital satisfaction.

Marital functioning, chronic pain, and psychological distress

“…Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction whereas lower scores indicate greater marital discord with 100 used as a cut-off score. The MAT has demonstrated good validity, inter-item reliability, and test-retest reliability (MacEwen and Barling, 1988;O'Leary, 1987;Smith et al, 1990). For the current sample, inter-item reliability was excellent (α = 0.91).…”

Interaction and relationship development in stable young couples: Effects of positive engagement, psychological aggression, and withdrawal

“…On the other side of the spectrum, positively engaged aspects of conflict interaction tend to predict better relationship outcomes, though some studies have failed to find effects of positive problem-solving behaviors (Kiecolt-Glaser, Bane, Glaser, & Malarkey, 2003) or affect (Smith, Vivian, & O'Leary, 1990) on later satisfaction. Considered in light of adolescent themes, emotional support during conflict should be important, and satisfied adolescent couples have been found to show more nurturant and loving behavior in interactions compared to dissatisfied couples .…”

“…Withdrawal has often been cast as a destructive strategy (e.g., Heavey, Christensen, & Malamuth, 1995;Smith et al, 1990) involving an implicit refusal to resolve an issue that the partner wishes to resolve. In contrast, Gottman's (1993) description of three "types" of stable couples included "avoiding" as a working relationship dynamic, and a later validation study (Holman & Jarvis, 2003) found the avoiding type to be the second best adjusted (after "validating," which resembles the typical standard of high-positive engagement and lownegative engagement) on indices of relationship satisfaction and communication quality.…”

Perceived Spouse's Affectionate and Antagonistic Behaviours and Marital Satisfaction

“…Combinations of spouses' affectionate and antagonistic behaviours in couple's everyday life differentiate marriages from one another (Caughlin & Huston, 2006). Affection and antagonism seem to be different dimensions, as confirmed by factor analyses and low correlation between the two (Gable, Reis, & Elliot, 2003;Huston & Vangelisti, 1991;Smith, Vivian, & O'Leary, 1990). In other words, lack of antagonism in marriage still does not make it affectionate and happy, just as lack of loving behaviours does not necessarily make it hostile.…”