ABSTRACT
TRUTH OR FICTION?
Using multiple methods, empirical research has classified couples into five types: some are happy, others are distressed.
When a couple is described as stable, it means that both partners have a sense of psychological well being.
Even happy couples have many disagreements and conflicts.
Couples who are disenchanted, or devitalized, rarely attempt to resolve conflict.
Husbands are more realistic than wives are when describing problems in the relationship.
Conflicted couples report more partner abuse than devitalized couples.
Any relationship problem can be solved if couples try their best to cooperate.
If a relationship problem cannot be solved, it is wise to ignore it.
Distressed couples move from conflict to disenchantment in predictable ways.
Complaining about a partner's behavior is not the same as blaming them for a problem in the relationship.
Contempt corrodes a relationship faster than defensiveness.
While actively listening to a partner describe a problem, it is Important to suggest ways to solve it.
To help resolve conflict, couples can brainstorm ten or more possible solutions, discuss each, and select one solution to try right away.
A positive action during conflict is to pause the iscussion whenever negative behavior is displayed.
Positive behavior during conflict interaction does not include laughing at yourself.
