Marital Conflict: A Longitudinal Study

• Other Authors: Troupe, Faith (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Social sciences
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-1511

Conflict is a normal occurrence in marriage, but when poorly managed can lead to divorce. The purpose of this research was to understand marital conflict as it changes over time. The researcher examined marital conflict from an Ecosystemic/ Person-Process-Context-Time (PPCT) theoretical perspective and longitudinal design. Using three waves of data from the National Survey of Families and Households, the researcher used a sample of 289 couples to examine conflict resolution techniques and the effect of depression, having children, couple's difference in age, income, and race on marital conflict. Through multiple regression analysis, the researcher found arguing heatedly had a negative effect and discussing conflict calmly a positive effect on conflict over time. Overall, arguing heated had the greatest effect on marital conflict over time. These findings have significant implications for marriage and family therapists working with couples who are dealing with conflict. The implications and recommendations regarding conflict with married couples are discussed. === A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Family and Child Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Fall Semester, 2008. === October 20, 2008. === National Survey of Families and Households, PPCT Model, Marriage, Conflict Resolution Techniques === Includes bibliographical references. === Ann Mullis, Professor Directing Dissertation; Maxine Jones, Outside Committee Member; Robert E. Lee, Committee Member; Lenore McWey, Committee Member.