| When "negative" behaviors are positive: a contextual analysis of the long-term effects of problem-solving behaviors on changes in relationship satisfaction. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20307131 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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How should partners discuss the problems that arise over the course of their intimate relationships? Prior studies have provided inconsistent answers to this question, with some suggesting that partners benefit by avoiding negative behaviors and others suggesting that partners benefit by engaging in negative behaviors. The 2 longitudinal studies of newlyweds described here reconcile these inconsistent findings by revealing that direct negative problem-solving behaviors interact with the severity of the problems couples face in their relationships to account for changes in relationship satisfaction. Whereas spouses' tendencies to blame, command, and reject their partners predicted steeper declines in their own marital satisfaction when exhibited in the context of relationships facing only minor problems, those same behaviors predicted more stable satisfaction in relationships facing more severe problems. Subsequent analyses revealed that changes in the severity of the problems themselves mediated these effects. By contrast, indirect negative communications were associated with stably lower levels of satisfaction regardless of problem severity. The current findings join others in highlighting the theoretical importance of accounting for the relational context when examining the implications of various interpersonal processes. |
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Authors:
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James K McNulty; V Michelle Russell |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of personality and social psychology Volume: 98 ISSN: 1939-1315 ISO Abbreviation: J Pers Soc Psychol Publication Date: 2010 Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-03-23 Completed Date: 2010-08-03 Revised Date: 2011-09-26 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0014171 Medline TA: J Pers Soc Psychol Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 587-604 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 1404 Circle Drive, Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. jmcnulty@utk.edu |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Affect* Communication Female Humans Interpersonal Relations* Male Marriage / psychology Personal Satisfaction* Problem Solving* Social Behavior* Social Environment* Time Factors Young Adult |
| Grant Support | |
ID/Acronym/Agency:
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R03 HD058314-01A2/HD/NICHD NIH HHS; RHD058314A//PHS HHS |
| Comments/Corrections | |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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