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A two-dimensional approach to relationship conflict: meta-analytic findings
1Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 3050, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 3P5. ewoodin@uvic.ca
Summary
This meta-analysis reveals that both positive and negative conflict behaviors significantly impact relationship satisfaction. While minor gender differences exist, high-intensity behaviors strongly correlate with relationship quality for all couples.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Family Studies
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Couple conflict is a critical area of relationship research.
- Understanding the nuances of conflict behaviors and their impact on satisfaction is essential.
- Previous research has explored gender differences in conflict, but a comprehensive meta-analysis is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze observed couple conflict behaviors.
- To categorize behaviors by valence and intensity.
- To examine associations between conflict behaviors and relationship satisfaction, including gender differences.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 64 studies involving 5,071 couples.
- Utilized a metacoding system to categorize conflict behaviors into hostility, distress, withdrawal, problem solving, and intimacy.
- Analyzed aggregate effect sizes to determine associations and gender differences.
Main Results:
- Women were slightly more prone to hostility, distress, and intimacy; men to withdrawal and problem-solving.
- Gender differences were small in magnitude.
- Hostility, distress, and withdrawal negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction; intimacy and problem-solving positively correlated.
Conclusions:
- High-intensity conflict behaviors, both positive and negative, are significant correlates of relationship satisfaction.
- Gender differences in conflict behaviors are relatively small.
- The findings underscore the importance of behavior intensity and valence in understanding couple dynamics and satisfaction.
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