Content area
Abstract
A couple's interpretations of relationship behavior may be a significant variable in relationship satisfaction. Attribution theory provides a theoretical framework with which to investigate the kinds of explanations a couple may give to behaviors in the relationship. Attributional disagreement appears particularly relevant to marital satisfaction but has received little attention in the marital research literature. The purpose of this study was first to investigate the possible relationship between attributional disagreement and the level of satisfaction couples were experiencing in their relationship. Second, the study examined how attributional disagreement may change as a result of conjoint relationship counseling.
Fifty-six couples recruited from undergraduate educational psychology classes completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale measuring attributional disagreement in the relationship. Couples were randomly divided into one of three treatment groups: a reframing counseling group; a reciprocity counseling group; a delayed-treatment control group.
Results indicated that relationship satisfaction was negatively correlated with the number of attributional differences and the percentage of internal attributions generated. Also, a negative correlation was found between locus of control orientation, as measured by Rotter's I-E scale, and the percentage of attributional differences that reflected dispositional-situational differences. No significant differences were found between the two treatment groups and the control group on either a change in attributional disagreement or a change in relationship satisfaction.
This study supported the hypothesis that attributional disagreements are related to relationship satisfaction. Implications of this study for marital therapists were discussed. Specifically, the marital therapist should expect more attributional disagreement among couples who are experiencing dissatisfaction in their relationship, and disagreement may serve as a focus for therapy.
Several limitations of the study were noted and discussed. Suggestions were made for further research in this area, especially emphasizing the need for more precise instruments to measure attributions and the importance of having a sample include both satisfied and dissatisfied couples. Further investigation is needed to determine the most effective way to alter attributions in couples.
