This study attempted to integrate theories of intimacy and differentiation with previously studied relationship variables to generate a predictive model of marital satisfaction. Findings from this study supported intimacy and spousal support as strong variables in predicting marital satisfaction but found no relationship between differentiation and marital satisfaction. Length of marriage, children, age, prior cohabitation, division of labor, and income were not found to be significant predictors of satisfaction.

The article presents an integrated theoretical perspective on the origin, maintenance and alteration of relational conflict. It suggests that relational conflict and reconciliation can be understood as two behavioral alternatives that couples respond with during the experience of pain or other negative emotion. The presence of pain elicits a defensive reaction that encourages a perpetuation of the conflict process; or it encourages a demonstration of grace and justice that can permit relationships to be a healing agent. The components of the relational conflict cycle and the relational reconciliation cycle are explained.

Results of a qualitative study of male perceptions of intimacy are reported here. A semi-structured interview was used to interview five male participants on the topic of intimacy. Transcripts of the interviews were reviewed for thematic material with several themes identified. Definitions of intimacy, the role of masculinity, and risks associated with intimacy emerged as broad areas influencing intimate experiences for men with several sub-themes related. Discussion of implications and possibilities for future research are provided.

This study measured components of the relationship conflict and restoration model developed by Sells, Beckenbach, and Patrick. Data were gathered from 242 participants who completed a series of instruments used to measure constructs of relationship restoration. The authors proposed that the demonstration of grace, justice, empathy, trust, and forgiveness lead to relationship satisfaction. The path analysis confirmed the relationships between most variables. However, the path also indicated that trust was not an antecedent to forgiveness but instead emerged as an outcome variable, along with relational satisfaction, subsequent to forgiveness. Implications and suggestions for future research are made.

The article examines preliminary results of the reconciliation cycle presented as part of the Relationship Conflict and Restoration Model (RCRM). This model is an integration of attachment theory, contextual family therapy, and narrative approaches. The model was implemented in a workshop format with 5 couples. Implications from this workshop are presented regarding the relationship between the primary constructs of the reconciliation cycle. Initial impressions indicate that the constructs of justice, empathy, trust, forgiveness, and grace are related to a couple's overall experience of intimacy, offering support for the model. Implications of the RCRM are discussed.