Conflict in Premarital Relationships: Differential Perceptions of Males and Females

The relations of characteristics of conflict (number, intensity, resolution, stability) to both relationship quality (satisfaction, love, and commitment) and communication quality (hostility, self-disclosure anxiety, negotiation, and manipulation) are described. Fifty premarital partners completed behavioral self-report assessments of the number and characteristics of conflicts over a 14-day period. Results indicate that the number of conflicts and their perceived resolution were the most salient to females' perceived relationship and communication quality, whereas number and stability of conflicts were the most salient to males' perceived quality. Implications for therapy and education are discussed.