engleski

Relationship efficacy beliefs and communication patterns during conflict resolution in dating relationships - an APIM approach

Abstract Although beliefs that we can successfully resolve relationship conflict, i.e. relationship efficacy beliefs (REB), have been linked to greater relationship satisfaction, and the willingness to engage in conflict, studies focusing on specific styles of conflict resolution are rare, and usually ignore the interdependent nature of relationships. This study tried to extend previous findings by investigating dating relationships and employing the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model to examine the role of both partners' REB for the couple's constructive and demand/withdraw communication patterns during conflict. We expected those who believe they can successfully resolve conflicts to engage in more constructive communication, and that their partner's higher efficacy beliefs will also be associated with constructive communication during conflicts. We also expected to observe more demand/withdraw behavior in couples with lower REB. A total of 154 heterosexual couples (18-30 y.) from Croatia, dating for an average of 32 months, participated in the study. Both partners completed the Relationship Efficacy Measure (Fincham, Harold & Gano-Phillips, 2000) and answered questions on relationship length and satisfaction. A month later, they completed the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Christensen & Sullawey, 1984). We found both actor and partner effects of REB on communication patterns during conflict. Individuals with higher REB, who have partners with higher REB, reported on more constructive communication, and were more satisfied with their relationships. Lower REB by both partners were associated with more demand/withdraw communication, although some gender specific findings were also found. Results are discussed in the context of practical implications for romantic relationships in emerging adulthood. Method The study employed a dyadic design and the data was gathered in two time points. Emerging adulthood heterosexual dating couples (each partner for him/herself) first completed a set of questions measuring relationship characteristics and their self- reported relationship efficacy beliefs and a month later provided self-report data on how they behaved during conflict situations in their relationship during that month. The questionnaire we used captures the dyadic nature of conflict by asking participants both about their own behavior, and about their partner's behavior. In this sense the overall measures of constructive and demand/withdraw patterns reflect both self-report of one's own behavior and the perception of partner's behavior. The study was conducted on- line. Confederates (mostly psychology master students) recruited dating couples from amongst their acquaintances which resulted in a demographically heterogeneous sample of emerging adults dating from between 2 months and 10 years.

Relationship efficacy ; conflict resolution ; dating ; APIM

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