Satisfied and Dissatisfied Couples. Positive and Negative Dimensions, Conflict Styles, and Relationships With Family of Origin

The purpose of the present study was to analyse marital functioning of satisfied couples and dissatisfied couples by comparing satisfied couples (85 couples), dissatisfied couples (55 couples), and dissatisfied couples in therapy (86 couples). The sample was composed of totally 226 married couples. Measures addressed topics such as positive and negative dimensions of marital functioning, conflict styles (compromise, violence, avoidance and offence) and the quality of the relationship with family of origin. Results indicated that in comparison to dissatisfied couples, satisfied couples have more positive and less negative dimensions, a higher ratio between positivity and negativity, more appropriate conflict styles (more compromise and less violence, avoidance and offence), as well as a better relationship with their family of origin. Satisfied couples significantly showed the highest levels of positive dimensions, while couples in therapy reported the highest levels of negative dimensions. Dissatisfied couples were in-between.