Legitimate Interest in Couple Conflict

The present study examined legitimate interest in couples' conflict-management. Based on observations of intergroup and organizational conflict we expected that partners who perceive each other's interests as legitimate are more likely to report cooperative conflict-management behaviors. Partners of 98 couples independently rated the legitimacy of each other's position in a recent conflict and reported on their self-expression, listening and problem-solving behaviors. Partners who found their own position legitimate indicated they were more willing to express themselves openly and partners who found the other's position legitimate indicated they were more willing to listen to the other side. In addition, self-expression and listening were positive predictors of problem-solving.