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The Path of Emotional Least Resistance: Developing Theory Based on the Self-Reported Strengths of Happy and Distressed Couples in the Marriage Checkup

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 April 2018

Tatiana D. Gray ,
James V. Cordova ,
Matt Hawrilenko ,
Taylor Dovala  and
Julia W. Sollenberger
Tatiana D. Gray*
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
James V. Cordova
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Matt Hawrilenko
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Taylor Dovala
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Julia W. Sollenberger
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
*
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Tatiana Gray, 950 Main St., Worcester MA, 01610, USA. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

This study examined the qualitative differences between the types of strengths identified by satisfied versus distressed couples seeking a Marriage Checkup. We hypothesised that distressed couples would nominate less intimate strengths, while satisfied couples would nominate more intimate strengths. We found that distressed partners were significantly more likely to nominate items from a Parallel Support category, whereas satisfied women, but not men, were significantly more likely to nominate items from an Intimate/Affectionate category. These findings suggest that an indicator of developing couple distress is the point where couples begin to focus their attention on less emotionally vulnerable relationship aspects.

Keywords

relationshipstrengthsintimacymarriage checkup
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Relationships Research , Volume 9 , 2018 , e5
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2018 

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