Patterns of Change in Marital Partners

Abstract

Using coded interview data from a sample of 60 mostly married couples, residual values were obtained from a series of regression analyses which assessed a life span “continuity model” linking the quality of marital partners' significant relationships from childhood with their current socio-emotional functioning. The residual values were used to select six couples which differed in the amount of change reported and therefore in their degree of misfit with the model. A qualitative analysis of their interviews revealed processes which can be understood within the framework of Bowlby's attachment theory. This analysis suggests that mutual security provision by partners serves a stabilizing function for them and promotes some trust. However, those relationships which also foster positive change in partners are able to achieve a sustained intimacy which in turn requires adequate levels of autonomy and separation from the parental family. Early experience is thus represented in later outcomes. The advantage of combining qualitative with quantitative anlyses is discussed.