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Demand-Withdraw Patterns in Marital Conflict in the Home
Lauren M Papp1, Chrystyna D Kouros, E Mark Cummings
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Personal Relationships
|November 22, 2011
Summary
Demand-withdraw communication patterns in marital conflict are common at home. These patterns, linked to relationship satisfaction and spousal depression, negatively impact conflict resolution and emotional well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Communication Research
Background:
- Demand-withdraw communication is a prevalent pattern in intimate relationships.
- Previous research has primarily focused on laboratory settings, with less known about its occurrence in the home environment.
- The association between demand-withdraw dynamics and spousal depression requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine demand-withdraw communication patterns in real-world marital conflict.
- To explore the relationship between demand-withdraw patterns and spousal depression.
- To assess the impact of demand-withdraw patterns on marital interaction quality and conflict resolution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diary reports from 116 U.S. couples to capture marital conflict instances.
- Assessed depressive symptoms in both partners.
- Employed hierarchical linear modeling to analyze communication patterns and their correlates.
Main Results:
- Demand-withdraw patterns (husband demand-wife withdraw and wife demand-husband withdraw) occurred frequently in the home.
- Both patterns were more likely during discussions of relationship issues, with the conflict initiator adopting the demander role.
- Demand-withdraw patterns predicted negative emotions, tactics, and reduced conflict resolution, even after accounting for marital satisfaction.
- Spousal depression was associated with a higher incidence of husband demand-wife withdraw.
Conclusions:
- Demand-withdraw communication is a significant dynamic in home-based marital conflict.
- These patterns negatively influence relationship satisfaction, emotional well-being, and the ability to resolve conflicts.
- Spousal depression may exacerbate specific demand-withdraw patterns, highlighting a potential bidirectional relationship.
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