The attenuating effect of perspective taking on negative behavior in relationship interactions

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science
• Communication Studies

Background:

• Perspective taking is theorized to foster prorelationship responses.
• It is believed to reduce negative behaviors in relationship interactions.
• Previous research has not empirically tested its role in couples' daily conflict.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether perspective taking predicts less negative behavior in couples' daily and lab-based conflict interactions.
• To examine if perspective taking attenuates negative behavior, especially when partners exhibit negativity.
• To determine if these effects are independent of relationship satisfaction and individual factors.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted with individuals and couples (N=77 to 143 dyads).
• Methods included daily self-reports of perspective taking and negative behaviors over 14-21 days.
• Study 3 involved lab-based conflict discussions with objective coding of negative behaviors.

Main Results:

• Actors' perspective taking consistently predicted lower self-reported and partner-reported negative behaviors (Studies 1-3).
• Perspective taking attenuated the association between partners' negative behaviors and actors' own negative behaviors, particularly in observed interactions.
• These effects were independent of commitment, satisfaction, self-esteem, and attachment insecurity.

Conclusions:

• Facilitating perspective taking can reduce common, destructive behaviors in couple relationships.
• Perspective taking appears to be a robust mechanism for improving relationship interactions.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing perspective taking may benefit couple relationship quality.