Conflict Resolution Styles and Marital Satisfaction A Dyadic Perspective

Interdependence is the essence of relational research. Members of a dyad exert mutual influences on the outcome experienced by both of them. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kashy & Kenny, 1990; Kenny & Cook, 1999) emphasizes that the behaviors of both individuals in a dyadic relationship contribute to individual or relationship adjustment. These behaviors are thought to be interdependent, that is, the way one dyad member behaves with the other dyad member depends, to some extent, on the behavior of the other dyad member.This study examined the link between husbands' and wives' use of four conflict resolution styles (conflict engagement, withdrawal, positive problem solving and compliance) and each spouse's marital satisfaction. Subjects were 100 married couples. The unit of analysis was a dyad. Actor and partner effects were calculated using the APIM. The way couples resolve conflict has often cited to be an important variable in predicting the relationship satisfaction. Results revealed significant actor and partner effects for withdrawal.