Association of Conflict Resolution Style and Relationship Satisfaction between Couples

Abstract

Background: Relationship researchers have focused on the frequency of conflict in couples’ relationships and the manner in which couples engage in and try to resolve conflicts. Conflict occurs regularly in most close relationships and dealing with conflict, under some conditions, may facilitate the development and maintenance of intimacy and satisfaction in a relationship. Regardless of this understanding, very little is known about individual’s characteristics of conflict resolution behavior that bring into couples relationship satisfaction. Objective:. The purpose of this study is to examine individual’s characteristics in conflict resolution behavior and its effect on couple relationship satisfaction. Methodology: A total of 306 (159 female and 147 male) participants were included from community sample. Three Kebeles in Yeka sub-city of Addis Ababa were selected randomly. Data were collected on relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution behavior of couples. The constructs were measured by Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS, Hendrick, 1988 and Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II, Rahim, 1983). Pearson correlation and standard multiple regressions were run to check association and prediction among variables under study respectively. Result: The result confirmed that statistically significant correlation was found between/among most variables/constructs in the study. The standard regression revealed that conflict resolution behavior predicted relationship satisfaction. Particularly integrating, dominating and avoiding conflict type of conflict resolution styles predicted relationship satisfaction individually. Conclusion: It is therefore, possible to conclude that all the conflict resolution style sub scales predicted relationship satisfaction significantly.