Discuss why relationships change or end. Flashcards
Introduction
Relationships are dynamic and ever-evolving, and it is not uncommon for them to undergo changes or even come to an end. Understanding the factors that contribute to these changes is crucial for comprehending the complexities of interpersonal connections. In this essay, we will delve into the reasons why relationships may change or ultimately reach their conclusion. Two significant factors that play a crucial role in this process are Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, as identified by Gottman and Levenson (1992), and negative attribution, as explored by Fincham et al. (2000). By examining these influential factors, we can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of relationships and the mechanisms that contribute to their transformation or demise.
Study 1: Gottman and Levenson 1992
Aim:
The aim of the study conducted by Gottman and Levenson (1992) was to examine the relationship between communication patterns and marital satisfaction.
Procedure:
Seventy-three couples were selected for the study, and data was collected over a four-year period between 1983 and 1987. The couples were periodically invited to participate in sessions at the “Love Lab,” which was an ordinary apartment equipped with recording devices. Prior to the sessions, the couples were not allowed to see each other all day. During the sessions, the couples engaged in discussions on three different topics: a neutral topic, a pleasant topic, and a topic that was a source of conflict. The conversations were recorded, and the researchers used the “Rapid Couples Interaction Scoring System (RCISS)” to quantify and code the communication patterns observed.
Findings:
The results of the study conducted by Gottman and Levenson (1992) revealed that couples who exhibited a higher ratio of positive to negative interactions, known as regulated couples, reported greater marital satisfaction. These couples displayed an increasing trend of positive communication throughout the discussions held in the “Love Lab.” They rated their interactions more positively, expressed more positive emotions, and demonstrated higher levels of affection and interest in their partners. In contrast, non-regulated couples, who had a higher ratio of negative to positive interactions, experienced lower marital satisfaction, and were nearly three times more likely to divorce during the study. These couples displayed higher levels of anger, less affection, diminished joy, and reduced interest in their partners. The findings highlight the importance of positive communication in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling marital relationship, while negative communication patterns can significantly impact relationship quality and stability.
Strengths:
Longitudinal Design: The study spanned four years, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of couples’ communication patterns over time.
Naturalistic Setting: The use of the “Love Lab” created a realistic environment, increasing the authenticity of couples’ interactions.
Quantitative Measures: The use of the RCISS provided standardized and objective analysis of communication patterns.
Limitations:
Sample Characteristics: The small sample size and predominantly heterosexual, middle-class couples limit generalizability.
Gender Bias: The study focused primarily on heterosexual couples, overlooking same-sex relationship dynamics.
Laboratory Setting Limitations: The controlled environment may have influenced couples’ behavior and communication.
Simplistic Ratio Concept: The suggested 5:1 ratio oversimplifies the complexities of communication within relationships.
The study conducted by Gottman and Levenson (1992) provides valuable insights into why relationships may change or ultimately come to an end. Their research introduced the concept of the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” which are negative communication patterns that can detrimentally impact relationships. These four factors, namely criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, represent destructive communication behaviors that contribute to relationship deterioration. Criticism involves making negative judgments or attacks on one’s partner, while contempt encompasses feelings of superiority and disrespect. Defensiveness involves self-protection and blame-shifting, and stonewalling refers to withdrawing from communication or shutting down emotionally. By identifying and understanding these negative communication patterns, we gain a deeper understanding of how destructive behaviors can erode the foundation of a relationship and ultimately lead to its demise. The presence of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse highlights the critical role that communication plays in the evolution and potential dissolution of relationships.
Theory of 4 horsemen
The study conducted by Gottman and Levenson (1992) provides valuable insights into why relationships may change or ultimately come to an end. Their research introduced the concept of the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” which are negative communication patterns that can detrimentally impact relationships. These four factors, namely criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, represent destructive communication behaviors that contribute to relationship deterioration. Criticism involves making negative judgments or attacks on one’s partner, while contempt encompasses feelings of superiority and disrespect. Defensiveness involves self-protection and blame-shifting, and stonewalling refers to withdrawing from communication or shutting down emotionally. By identifying and understanding these negative communication patterns, we gain a deeper understanding of how destructive behaviors can erode the foundation of a relationship and ultimately lead to its demise. The presence of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse highlights the critical role that communication plays in the evolution and potential dissolution of relationships.
Study 2: Finchman 2000
Aim:
The aim of the study conducted by Fincham et al. (2000) was to examine the correlations between attributions and marital satisfaction and understand how attributions of partner’s behavior can influence marital relationships.
Procedure:
The study involved 130 white couples who had been married for 15-20 months and were residing in small towns in the Midwest of America. The researchers collected data over an 18-month period, administering questionnaires at three different time points. Marital satisfaction was measured using the Quality Marriage Index (QMI), which assessed the overall satisfaction level of couples in their marriages. The participants completed the questionnaires, providing information about their attributions regarding their partner’s behavior.
Results:
The results of the study indicated a negative correlation between attributions and marital satisfaction. Specifically, the study found that when participants made negative attributions about their partner’s behavior (e.g., attributing negative behavior to dispositional and internal factors), their marital satisfaction decreased. This negative correlation was observed both at the beginning of the study (-44) and after 18 months (-41), suggesting that negative attributions have a consistent detrimental effect on marital satisfaction over time. These findings align with previous research highlighting the influence of attributions on relationship quality and provide insights into how negative attributions can contribute to relationship deterioration and potential divorce.
Strengths:
Ecological validity: The study used a sample of 130 real-life married couples, increasing the relevance of the findings to everyday marital relationships.
Longitudinal design: Data was collected over an 18-month period, allowing for the examination of changes in marital satisfaction over time.
Quantitative measures: Standardized questionnaires were used to measure marital satisfaction and attributions, enhancing the objectivity and reliability of the data.
Limitations:
Sample characteristics: The study focused on a specific sample of white couples from small Midwest towns, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
Self-report measures: Reliance on self-report measures may introduce response biases and limit the validity of the findings.
Causality: The study establishes correlations but does not prove causality between attributions and marital satisfaction.
Longitudinal attrition: Attrition over the 18-month period could introduce bias and affect the representativeness of the data.
Theory of negative attribution
Negative attributions, rooted in social psychology, involve interpreting others’ behaviors in a negative or unfavorable manner. In relationships, negative attributions occur when individuals ascribe negative motives, traits, or intentions to their partner’s actions. This tendency to attribute negative meanings can have detrimental effects on relationship dynamics. It leads to increased conflict, reduced empathy, and diminished satisfaction. Negative attributions can manifest as interpreting mistakes as character flaws or perceiving withdrawal as a lack of interest. Fincham et al.’s (2000) study supports the impact of negative attributions on marital satisfaction, showing that consistent negative attributions correlate with decreased relationship satisfaction. Recognizing and challenging negative attributions is vital in cultivating a positive and supportive relationship environment. Negative attributions contribute to relationship changes or endings by fostering a cycle of negativity, miscommunication, resentment, and emotional distance, ultimately undermining relationship quality and stability.
conclusion
In conclusion, the factors discussed in the studies by Gottman and Levenson (1992) and Fincham et al. (2000) shed light on why relationships may change or end. Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse illustrate the destructive communication patterns that can erode relationship satisfaction and stability. The presence of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling highlights the importance of positive communication and the detrimental effects of negative behaviors. Additionally, Fincham et al.’s study emphasizes the influence of negative attributions on marital satisfaction. When individuals attribute negative motives or traits to their partner’s behavior, it diminishes relationship satisfaction over time. These findings collectively demonstrate how communication patterns and attributions can contribute to relationship changes and potentially lead to the end of a relationship. By understanding and addressing these factors, individuals can work towards maintaining healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
