An Exploration of Topics, Conflict Styles, and Rumination in Romantic Nonserial and Serial Arguments

Abstract

This study explores the potential differences between serial and nonserial romantic argument topics, conflict style usage, and rumination. An online survey asked adult participants to recall and report on either a serial or a nonserial romantic argument. Findings indicated that serial argument participants ruminated more and used more negative and avoidant, and fewer positive, conflict strategies than nonserial argument participants. Conflict topics did not vary by argument type. Serial arguments that are abbreviated (i.e., between 2 and 5 episodes) also were found to differ from those that are extended (i.e., more than 5 episodes) in nature. These findings and their implications for both serial arguments and interpersonal conflict are discussed.