Avoidance and Attacking Conflict‐Resolution Strategies Among Married Couples: Relations to Depressive Symptoms and Marital Satisfaction*

Avoidance and Attacking Conflict-Resolution Strategies Among Married Couples: Relations to Depressive Symptoms and Marital Satisfaction* This study examined the relation of depressive symptoms and marital satisfac(tion to conflict-resolution strategies (avoidance and attacking) in a sample of 40 married couples. Using hierarchical regression analyses, models were tested wherein avoidance and attacking scores were regressed on husbands' and wives` depressive symptoms and marital satisfaction scores. Depressive symptoms and marital satisfaction were powerful predictors of conflict-resolution strategies; however, different predictors were noted for avoidonce and attacking conflict-resolution strategies. Gender differences were also revealed. Key Words: conflict-resolution strategies, depressive symptoms. Recently, among researchers and family life educators increased attention has been given to the manner in which married couples resolve conflicts. The clinical research literature has provided some evidence that depression in one or both spouses serves as a source of strain on the marital relationship (Beach & O'Leary, 1993; Coyne et al., 1987), and findings suggest that depressive symptoms may relate to marital satisfaction and conflict-resolution strategies. For example, in a recent study using a clinical sample Beach and O'Leary (1993) found that couples' depressive symptoms assessed prior to marriage were related to a decrease in both their own and their spouse's marital satisfaction. Moreover, studies using nonclinical samples have documented a robust relationship between concurrent depressive symptoms and marital satisfaction (Christensen, Phillips, Glasgow, & Johnson, 1983; Dehle & Weiss, 1998; Stoneman, Brody, & Burke, 1989). While findings provide support for the relation between husbands' and wives' depressive symptoms and marital satisfaction, there is no empirical research to date on how depressive symptoms relate to more specific attributes of the marital relationship, such as the strategies couples use to resolve conflict within the marriage. Conflict-resolution strategies reflect interpersonal behaviors used to address disagreements that occur within the marital relationship. It is the negative attributes of conflict, in particular, that are common in distressed marriages and have been associated with marital dissolution (Gottman, 1994). In the present study, we examined marital satisfaction and maladaptive avoidance and attacking conflict-resolution behaviors. Avoidant strategies maST include withdrawing from conflict and holding feelings inside, while attacking refers to physical or verbal attacks on one's spouse (Rubenstein & Feldman, 1993). Husbands' and wives' depressive symptoms and conflictresolution strategies in the marriage may be related in important ways. Specifically, depressive tendencies may lead to the utilization of more maladaptive conflict-resolution strategies to resolve marital disagreements. To elaborate, depressive symptoms in adults may include hostility and irritability, as well as dysphoria and withdrawn-avoidant behavior (Cohn, Matias, Tronick, Connell, & Lyons-Ruth, 1986). These negative symptoms of depression may translate into destructive conflict-resolution behaviors, such as withdrawal from or avoidance of conflict and. verbal or physical attacks on one's spouse. Evidence from the clinical research Literature supports the idea that depressive symptoms influence conflict-resolution strategies. Specifically, Hautzinger Linden, and Hoffman ( 1982) noted that couples wherein at Least one spouse was depressed generally demonstrated greater conflict and more negativity in their interactions. Further, Davenport, Adland, Gold, and Goodwin (1979) observed that in families with a clinically depressed parent, marital conflict expressed by nonverbal anger predominated. That is, observations of family interactions with a depressed parent revealed preoccupations with the control and avoidance of anger and sadness expressions. …