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Perceived threat and perceived neglect: Couples' underlying concerns during conflict
1Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7334, USA. Keith_Sanford@baylor.edu
Psychological Assessment
|June 10, 2010
Summary
This study introduces the Couples Underlying Concern Inventory, identifying perceived threat and neglect as key distress types in couple conflict. These concerns impact relationship satisfaction and communication patterns.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Interpersonal conflict in couples is often characterized by underlying distress.
- Two fundamental types of distress are perceived threat (partner blaming/controlling) and perceived neglect (lack of desired contributions).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Couples Underlying Concern Inventory (CUCI).
- To assess the relationship between perceived threat, perceived neglect, and various conflict-related variables.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Developed scales using factor analysis on 1,224 married individuals' conflict perceptions.
- Study 2: Validated the 16-item CUCI with 2,315 married individuals, assessing its psychometric properties and correlations with other measures.
Main Results:
- A 2-dimensional factor structure (perceived threat and perceived neglect) was confirmed.
- Both concerns correlated with relationship satisfaction and conflict communication.
- Each concern uniquely predicted specific self-reported emotions, partner-perceived emotions, and cognitions during conflict.
Conclusions:
- The CUCI effectively measures two core dimensions of distress in couple conflict.
- Understanding perceived threat and neglect offers insight into relationship dynamics and communication strategies.
- The inventory demonstrates measurement invariance across diverse racial/ethnic groups.
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