ABSTRACT
The nature of the association between topic avoidance and satisfaction has come under scrutiny in recent years, somewhat in response to its underlying theories. Theories such as dialectical theory (e.g., Baxter, 1990; Baxter & Montgomery, 1996) and communication privacy management (CPM) theory (Petronio, 1991,2000,2002) contend that people need a balance of openness and closedness to build and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The literature on information regulation (e.g., avoidance, secrets, privacy) also points to the fact that people withhold information from intimate others in an effort to minimize conflict, maintain the current status of their relationships, and protect themselves and others (e.g., Afifi, Olson, & Armstrong, 2005; Greene & Faulkner, 2002; Vangelisti & Caughlin, 1997). Theoretically, most scholars (including the authors) agree that some avoidance is necessary, and even beneficial, in order to maintain satisfying romantic relationships (see Afifi, Caughlin, & Afifi, 2007; Afifi & Guerrero, 2000).
