Perceived similarity and understanding in dyadic coping among young and mature couples

The study examined perceived similarity and understanding in dyadic coping among 197 young and 192 mature\r\ncouples. Perceived similarity and understanding were computed through a dyad-centered approach. To separate\r\n2 equally important components of dyadic congruence (i.e., unique and stereotypical similarity) stereotype adjusted\r\nand unadjusted scores were computed. Results indicated that stereotype effects were higher among young couples\r\nthan among mature couples; perceived stereotypical similarity was higher in young couples than in mature couples\r\nand stereotypical and partner-specific understanding were higher in mature couple relationships. Stereotypical\r\nunderstanding was positively associated with relationship quality but only among mature couples. Partner-specific\r\nunderstanding was not associated with relationship quality in mature couples, but it was negatively associated with\r\nrelationship quality in young couples.