Work

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

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: This study tested associations among observed interaction patterns and relationship satisfaction in a subsample of young at-risk couples (n=47) from the Oregon Youth Study who remained stable over 7 years; each partner's positive engagement, psychological aggression, and withdrawal within a particular conflict structure (his vs. her topic) was used to predict satisfaction over time using multilevel growth curve modeling. Women's positive engagement during both topics predicted higher satisfaction for both partners at within-couple and between-couple levels. Women's psychological aggression showed topic-specific associations with lower satisfaction for each partner, and increases in both men's and women's psychological aggression during their partner's topic related to lower satisfaction over time for women. Both partners' withdrawal during men's topics predicted less decline in satisfaction for men.

Source: Journal of Adolescence

DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2007.11.001

Authors: Heidemarie K. Laurent, Hyoun K. Kim, Deborah M. Capaldi

Institution: Oregon Social Learning Center

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Awards: G4554728450, G5931518674, G6062374553, Life Course Antisocial Behavior in Males, Risk for Dysfunctional Romantic Relationships for Adults