Psychology
The Path of emotional least resistance: Developing theory based on the self-reported strengths of happy and distressed couples in the marriage checkup
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This study examined the qualitative differences between the types of strengths identified by satisfied versus distressed couples seeking a Marriage Checkup. We hypothesised that distressed couples would nominate less intimate strengths, while satisfied couples would nominate more intimate strengths. We found that distressed partners were significantly more likely to nominate items from a Parallel Support category, whereas satisfied women, but not men, were significantly more likely to nominate items from an Intimate/Affectionate category. These findings suggest that an indicator of developing couple distress is the point where couples begin to focus their attention on less emotionally vulnerable relationship aspects.
Publication Title
Journal of Relationships Research
Publication Date
2018
Volume
9
ISSN
1838-0956
DOI
10.1017/jrr.2018.4
Keywords
intimacy, marriage checkup, relationship, strengths
Repository Citation
Gray, Tatiana D.; Cordova, James V.; Hawrilenko, Matt; Dovala, Taylor; and Sollenberger, Julia W., "The Path of emotional least resistance: Developing theory based on the self-reported strengths of happy and distressed couples in the marriage checkup" (2018). Psychology. 42.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/42