The interactional patterns of distressed (n = 22) and nondistressed ( = 17) couples were compared through base rate and sequential analyses of communication samples that were coded with the Marital Interactional Coding System. Nondistressed, compared to distressed, couples emitted higher rates of problem-solving, verbal and nonverbal positive, and neutral behaviors. Sex differences were found for Nonverbal Positive and Neutral behaviors. The sequential analyses provided support, but of limited duration, for positive and negative reciprocity and negative reactivity. The combination of sequential and base rate variables, contrasted with base rate variables alone, made a moderate contribution to the prediction of marital satisfaction. The importance of sequential analyses for examining marital interactional processes is discussed, and several methodological considerations in conducting sequential analyses are examined.
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Margolin et al. (1981) studied this question.