Relational schemas were explored as a possible mechanism involved in the development and intergenerational continuation of conflictual relationship styles. It was postulated that young people might develop a schema for conflict in intimate relationships from witnessing conflictual parental relationships. The current study attempted to reveal this parent-influenced schema through vignettes of "typical" couples. Eighty-two undergraduate university students were divided into 2 groups by level of retrospective ratings of interparental conflict (high, low). Both groups completed scenarios involving "typical" couples, and identical scenarios involving themselves and a dating partner. The completed vignettes were scored for frequency and intensity of conflict and presence of conflict resolution. A 2x2 mixed multivariate analysis of variance was preformed using level of interparental conflict (high, low) and type of vignette (typical, self) as independent variables. It was hypothesized that the high interparental conflict group would attribute higher levels of conflict to vignettes of "typical" couples than the low interparental group, while both groups would report a similar, low level of conflict in vignettes of self and partner. This interaction was not supported. There was a main effect of vignette type such that respondents assigned more conflict and less conflict resolution to vignettes of "typical" couples than to vignettes of self and partner. Respondents also completed questionnaires assessing the level of conflict in their current relationships. Conflict in dating relationships was associated with a history of interparental conflict for females but not for males. There was no association between history of interparental conflict and conflict in relationships with peers. Results are discussed in terms of sample characteristics and other methodological considerations. The vignettes may be clinically useful in conflict management group interventions.
Barbara Kathryn MacLean (Mon,) studied this question.