Personality traits moderate the association between conflict resolution and subsequent relationship satisfaction in dating couples. (1st March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taggart, Tenille C.; Bannon, Sarah M.; Hammett, Julia F.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 139(2019)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01
• Subjects: Personality traits -- Relationship satisfaction -- Conflict resolution -- Couple communication -- Structural equation modeling; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.11.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Communication is an important component of relationship satisfaction. Its longitudinal relationship may not be as robust as previously thought, leaving open the possibility that individual-level factors may influence this association. Personality traits have been associated with relationship satisfaction and communication, separately, but no study has simultaneously examined these interrelated components. We used stepwise structural equation modeling to examine the extent to which conflict resolution skills, personality traits, and their interactions predicted relationship satisfaction in heterosexual dating couples ( N = 116 individuals) at four-month follow-up. Results showed that some personality traits moderated the association between conflict resolution and later relationship satisfaction. Specifically, for individuals with lower than average levels of conscientiousness and neuroticism, the link was positive; for individuals with higher than average levels of conscientiousness and neuroticism, the link was negative. Notably, conflict resolution skills, personality traits, and their interactions accounted for more than half of the variance in later relationship satisfaction. Results suggest that personality traits may differentially influence the communication-relationship satisfaction link in couples over time. Future studies investigating the communication-satisfaction link should examine these and other individual differences to better inform interventions for distressed couples. Highlights: Communication and satisfaction are positively linked in intimate relationships. This association is differentially influenced by partners' personality traits. For individuals lower in conscientiousness and neuroticism, the link is positive. For individuals higher in conscientiousness and neuroticism, the link is negative. These associations account for over 50% of the variance in satisfaction over time.