Supportive and Aversive Behavior following Spousal Complaints

Couples with moderate, high, and very high adjustment (N = 42) were observed during emotional interactions. Each spouse discussed an upsetting incident unrelated to the marriage. The proportion of approval or caring behavior expressed was directly related to selfreported marital adjustment, whereas the proportion of negative behavior expressed was inversely related to adjustment. Overall, negative behavior appeared to inhibit the probability of subsequent expressions of complaints by spouses. In addition, couples with the poorest adjustment were more likely to express negativity following focused complaints from the partner than were couples with the best adjustment. The implications of these findings for marital interventions are discussed.