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Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 25, No. 3, 445-466 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407508090868

Objective ratings of relationship skills across multiple domains as predictors of marital satisfaction trajectories

Erika Lawrence

University of Iowa, erika-lawrence{at}uiowa.edu

Ashley Pederson

University of Memphis

Mali Bunde

CIGNA Behavioral Health

Robin A. Barry

University of Iowa

Rebecca L. Brock

University of Iowa

Emily Fazio

University of Denver

Lorin Mulryan

University of Loyola Chicago

Sara Hunt

Utah State University

Lisa Madsen

Emory University

Sandra Dzankovic

Des Moines University

Expanding upon social-learning and vulnerability-stress-adaptation approaches to marriage, the impact of multiple dyadic behaviors on marital satisfaction trajectories was examined in 101 couples. Semi-structured interviews were administered separately to husbands and wives at three months of marriage. Interviewers generated objective ratings for five domains: emotional closeness/intimacy, sexual intimacy/sensuality, interspousal support, decision-making/relational control, and communication/conflict management. Marital satisfaction was assessed four times over three years. Dyadic behaviors were associated with initial levels and rates of change in satisfaction, demonstrating the unique contributions of each relational skill on marital development. For husbands, sexual intimacy was the strongest predictor of change whereas for wives, communication/conflict management was the strongest predictor of change compared to other domains. Theoretical, methodological and clinical implications are discussed.

Key Words: couples • dyadic skills • growth curve analyses • marital satisfaction


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