Finer Distinctions: Variability in Satisfied Older Couples’ Problem‐Solving Behaviors

Abstract

This study utilized observational and self-report data from 64 maritally satisfied and stable older couples to explore if there were meaningful differences in how couples approached marital disagreements. Using a typology approach to classify couples based on their behaviors in a 15-minute problem-solving interaction, findings revealed four types of couples: (1) problem solvers (characterized by both spouses' higher problem-solving skills and warmth), (2) supporters (characterized by both spouses' notable warmth), (3) even couples (characterized by both spouses' moderate problem-solving skills and warmth), and (4) cool couples (characterized by both spouses' greater negativity and lower problem-solving skills and warmth). Despite the differences in these behaviors, all couples had relatively high marital satisfaction and functioning. However, across nearly all indices, spouses in the cool couple cluster reported poorer marital functioning, particularly when compared to the problem solvers and supporters. These findings suggest that even modest doses of negativity (e.g., eye roll) may be problematic for some satisfied couples later in life. The implications of these typologies are discussed as they pertain to practitioners' efforts to tailor their approaches to a wider swath of the population.

An Implementation Study of Relationship Checkups as Home Visitations for Low‐Income At‐Risk Couples

“…Consistent with this suggestion and with previous research Hawkins & Erickson, 2015;Quirk et al, 2014), in the present study distressed couples evidenced the greatest treatment gains, whereas non-distressed couples reported small effects. However, although the effects for non-distressed couples overall were small, even small reductions in negativity can have substantial long-term impacts on couple functioning (Rauer, Williams, & Jensen, 2015).…”

“…Thus, specifically targeting moderately distressed couples in future research may aid in improving overall effect sizes as these couples might be more motivated to apply the skills learned and have greater opportunity to evince change in relationship satisfaction. However, although the effects for non-distressed couples overall were small, even small reductions in negativity can have substantial long-term impacts on couple functioning (Rauer, Williams, & Jensen, 2015). However, although the effects for non-distressed couples overall were small, even small reductions in negativity can have substantial long-term impacts on couple functioning (Rauer, Williams, & Jensen, 2015).…”

The development of marital tension: Implications for divorce among married couples.

“…People can have simultaneously positive and negative feelings for one another (Fingerman, Hay, & Birditt, 2004; Rauer, Williams, & Jensen, 2015; Rauer & Volling, 2013). Negative aspects of relationships also tend to be more highly associated with marital longevity as well as with psychological and physical well-being than do the positive aspects of relationships (Karney & Bradbury, 1995; Kurdek, 1995; Orbuch, Veroff, Hassan, & Horrocks, 2002; Umberson, Williams, Powers, Liu, & Needham, 2006).…”

The Meta Marriage: Links Between Older Couples' Relationship Narratives and Marital Satisfaction

“…Behavioral theory suggests that spouses may have unintentionally rewarded negative behaviors throughout the marriage, resulting in continued, albeit moderate, displays of negativity that may erode spouses' marital satisfaction (Patterson & Reid, 1970). Although previous work has suggested that younger husbands' negativity may not necessarily be harmful to their wives' marital satisfaction (Huston & Vangelisti, 1991), older spouses may be particularly sensitive to husbands' negativity given their focus on maximizing positive and rewarding interactions during later life (Carstensen, 1992;Rauer, Williams, & Jensen, 2016).…”