Marital Quality and Attachment: The Mediator Role of Conflict Resolution Styles

Abstract

Certain variables can act as mediators between marital quality, social and emotional aspects of the individuals and their context. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of conflict resolution styles as mediators between attachment styles and marital quality. A total of 214 couples participated in the present study aged between 18 and 75 years, residents in Southern Brazil. Three scales were administered: The Conflict Resolution Style Inventory, Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital State and Adult Attachment Scale. Results indicate that the styles of conflict resolution (positive problem solving, conflict engagement, withdrawal and compliance) mediate the relationship between attachment and marital quality. A difference between husbands and wives was observed. These findings suggest the importance of expanding the repertoire of positive strategies of conflict resolution of the couples for the promotion of marital quality.

Can Attachment Behaviors Moderate the Influence of Conflict Styles on Relationship Quality?

“…Question one. The results of this study concerning conflict style and relationship quality confirm previous research findings that demonstrate the negative impact adverse conflict styles have on relationship quality (Gordon & Chen, 2016;Markman, 1991;Scheeren et al, 2014;Sullaway & Christensen, 1983). Specific to the results from the APIM model used in this study, the use of extreme styles of conflict in marriage is significantly associated with poorer reported relationship quality for both men and women.…”

“…In an attempt to better understand relationship quality, many researchers have turned their attention to conflict styles. This research has found that conflict is present in most relationships, that resolving conflict increases relationship satisfaction and enhances intimacy, and that difficulties in resolving conflict that arise in unhappy marriages are often due to negative interaction patterns that tend to escalate rather than reduce conflict (Crowley, 2008;Oka et al, 2014;Prager et al, 2015;Scheeren et al, 2014;Watzlawick, Bavelas, & Jackson, 1967). Furthermore, conflict usually occurs when an individual perceives his or her efforts to meet needs and desires in the relationship as being blocked or interrupted by another (Corcoran & Mallinckrodt, 2000).…”

“…Recognizing the important role attachment theory and conflict styles play in relationship quality, a substantial amount of research has examined how these variables influence one another. (Ledbetter, 2016;Liu, Cui, & Han 2014;Scheeren et al, 2014;Simpson et al, 1996).…”

“…For example, recent evidence has demonstrated that the type of conflict styles utilized by individuals directly impacts how couples feel about their relationship regardless of the attachment styles present in the relationship (Scheeren et al, 2014). In addition, a study that examined the association of attachment, conflict style, and relationship satisfaction in 207 married individuals found that individuals' feelings of self-worth and partner availability are related to levels of accommodation in their marriage.…”

The interaction strategies and behaviour models in conflicts of Russian construction industry

“…It is the inevitable companion of the human relations. Moreover, the conflict may be useful, but this is possible provided that people are willing to cooperate [1][2][3][4][5].…”