The differential association between change request qualities and resistance, problem resolution, and relationship satisfaction

Abstract

Although research supports the negative sequelae of the "demand/withdrawal" pattern, research is scant on the impact of "nondemanding" change requests (e.g., specific, increasing, "we" requests). We hypothesize that such change requests will be associated with less partner withdrawal/resistance, better problem resolution, and greater relationship satisfaction. Seventy-two conversations between couples who were recruited through random digit dialing were coded for change request qualities. Results indicate that wife specific and "we" requests led to less husband resistance, and husband increasing and "we" requests led to less wife resistance. Greater percentages of wife and husband specific and "we" requests were related to better problem resolution in the conversation, and greater percentages of wife specific and "we" requests were related to greater wife satisfaction. Research and clinical implications are detailed.