Dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction: A meta-analysis
Mariana K Falconier1, Jeffrey B Jackson1, Peter Hilpert2
1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, United States.
Clinical Psychology Review
|August 22, 2015
Summary
Effective dyadic coping significantly enhances relationship satisfaction. Positive coping strategies and collaborative efforts are key predictors, outperforming individual or negative approaches in maintaining relationship quality.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Dyadic coping involves partners' joint efforts to manage stressors.
- Understanding its impact on relationship satisfaction is crucial for relationship health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the empirical association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction using meta-analytic methods.
- To identify specific dyadic coping strategies that most strongly predict relationship satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 72 independent samples (17,856 participants) from 57 reports.
- Calculated aggregated standardized zero-order correlations to assess the relationship between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Total dyadic coping showed a strong positive association with relationship satisfaction (r=.45, p=.000).
- Perceptions of partner-focused and joint coping were stronger predictors than self-perceptions.
- Positive dyadic coping forms were more predictive than negative forms.
- Collaborative common, supportive, and hostile/ambivalent coping were stronger predictors than stress communication or delegated coping.
Conclusions:
- Dyadic coping is a robust predictor of relationship satisfaction across diverse demographics.
- Emphasizing positive and collaborative coping strategies can enhance relationship quality.
- Clinical interventions should focus on promoting effective dyadic coping mechanisms.
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