The Path of emotional least resistance: Developing theory based on the self-reported strengths of happy and distressed couples in the marriage checkup

Authors

Tatiana D. Gray, Clark University
James V. Cordova, Clark UniversityFollow
Matt Hawrilenko, Clark University
Taylor Dovala, Clark University
Julia W. Sollenberger, Clark University

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