The Changing Influence of Interpersonal Perceptions on Marital Well-Being among Black and White Couples

Abstract

This study is the longitudinal extension of an earlier study of perceptions of conflict in the first year of marriage (Acitelli et al., 1993). In both studies, we examined the relative importance (to marital well-being) of partners' similarity and understanding of conflict styles. While the earlier study related perceptions of conflict in the first year with first year marital well-being, the present study related the same first year perceptions with third year marital well-being. Two important changes appearing in the findings for the third year compared to the first year are: (1) constructive acts appeared more important than destructive acts to third year marital well-being, whereas destructive acts were more predictive than constructive acts of first year marital well-being; and (2) the association of wives' understanding of husbands to third year marital well-being was positive for black couples and negative for white couples. This association was positive for both groups in the first year. Results are discussed in terms of the ambiguity of positive interactions as well as the dissolution of the romantic myth in the course of relationship development in early marriage.

The Role of Projection and Empathic Accuracy in Dyadic Perception between Older Twins

“…Thus far, this study replicated for the case of older twins a pattern that has been often observed in studies of heterosexual partners. However, the observed pattern appeared much stronger for twins than it has been observed for other close relationships (e.g., Acitelli et al, 1993Acitelli et al, , 1997Levinger & Breedlove, 1966;Sillars et al, 1984Sillars et al, , 1994.…”

“…Projection is a well-known feature in interpersonal perception and has often been observed in heterosexual couples (e.g., Acitelli et al, 1993Acitelli et al, , 1997Levinger & Breedlove, 1966;Sillars et al, 1984Sillars et al, , 1994. Though there is no doubt about the power and importance of projection, its functions within the context of dyadic perception are not fully understood.…”

Attachment Style, Vagal Tone, and Empathy During Mother–Adolescent Interactions

“…Specifically, if perceived concordance results from one person authentically "matching" the affective state that they perceive in their partner, it should facilitate empathy by promoting shared perspective taking. However, if concordance results from an excessive focus on (and inability to regulate) one's own state, such that the individual "projects" his or her state onto the other person (Acitelli, Douvan, & Veroff, 1997;Hoch, 1987;Levinger & Breedlove, 1966;Neyer et al, 1999;Sillars, Folwell, Hill, & Maki, 1994;Sillars, Pike, Jones, & Murphy, 1984;Thomas, Fletcher, & Lange, 1997), then it can interfere with empathic responsiveness by distorting attention to the other person's distinct and independent affective cues (Zahn-Waxler, Radke-Yarrow, & King, 1979). As Hoffman (1990) describes, empathy requires that the individual acknowledge that "although he or she feels distressed it is not he or she but someone else who is in actual danger or pain" (p. 150, emphasis added).…”

Coping With Prejudice: Personal Relationship Partners as Sources of Socioemotional Support for Stigmatized Individuals

“…Consistent with such an expectation, research by Acitelli, Douvan, and Veroff (1997) suggests that among intraethnic couples who have entered their third year of marriage, Black husbands and wives are more likely to share household and child care roles than are White husbands and wives. Moreover, Black wives appear to be especially important as sources of empathy and reassurance toward Black husbands.…”