You Can't Just (Say You) Do It...The Role of Perception in Dyadic Coping.

Ample evidence confirms the role of perceptions in the link between behaviors and wellbeing in a broad range of context. Within the context of dyadic coping, that is the process through which couple relationship partners cope together with stress, the role of perceptions has been theoretically formulated, but never empirically tested. In particular, although dyadic coping is a key factor in relationships, questions regarding the role of perceptions in the dyadic coping process remain unanswered: Are people’s perceptions of the partner’s dyadic coping responses related to what their partner actually reports to do? And what is the role of this association for partners’ relationship satisfaction? Moreover, are these associations similar or different for women and men? Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, a longitudinal two-wave study with 114 couples examined the link between partners’ reported dyadic coping responses and their perceptions, the role of these associations for relationship satisfaction, and the role of partners’ gender in these relations. Results highlighted both accuracy and projection effects in partners’ perceptions. In particular, both partners showed projection effects in their perceptions of the other’s dyadic coping responses, above and beyond what their partner’s reported to do. However, only men’s perceptions of women’s dyadic coping responses were accurate. Moreover, men’s perceptions mediated the effect of women’s reported dyadic coping responses on men’s relationship satisfaction. Findings are discussed in light of the implications for dyadic coping and couple relationship research as well as for intervention.