What type of communication during conflict is beneficial for intimate relationships?. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Overall, Nickola C; McNulty, James K
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 13(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Highlights: How couples communicate determines conflict resolution and relationship quality. Communication can involve opposition versus cooperation and be direct or indirect. Whether communication is beneficial or harmful depends on contextual factors. Direct opposition has benefits when serious problems can and need to be changed. Indirect cooperation has benefits when problems are minor and partners are insecure. Abstract : What constitutes effective communication during conflict? Answering this question requires first, clarifying whether communication expresses opposition versus cooperation and is direct versus indirect; second, assessing the mechanisms through which communication effects relationships; and third, identifying the contextual factors that determine the impact of communication. Recent research incorporating these components illustrates that direct opposition is beneficial when serious problems need to be addressed and partners are able to change, but can be harmful when partners are not confident or secure enough to be responsive. By contrast, cooperative communication involving affection and validation can be harmful when serious problems need to changed, but may be beneficial when problems are minor, cannot be changed, or involve partners whose defensiveness curtails problem solving.