Conflict Resolution Strategies and Marital Adjustment of Heterosexual Couples: Assessment of Actor–Partner Interaction

Abstract

This study tested a dyadic theoretical model in which conflict resolution strategies have impact on couples’ marital adjustment. The study features a quantitative and transversal approach and a correlational and explanatory design. Participants included 231 heterosexual couples from different regions of Brazil, contacted after indication. The instrument composed of the Conflict Resolution Behavior Questionnaire (CRBQ) and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (R-DAS) was filled out in the residence of the participants. Data were submitted to dyadic analysis by the latent trait model. The results indicated that the strategies have a strong impact on the individual’s adjustment. Assessing the impact of one of the spouse’s strategies on the other, only the marital adjustment of the men was affected. The evidence suggests differences between husbands and wives regarding the impact of strategies on adjustment. The data are discussed in light of the literature and considering their applicability in the clinical area.