Neuroticism’s ties to relationship satisfaction: the role of conflict tactic behaviors

Abstract

A significant body of research has demonstrated a negative relationship between neuroticism and relationship satisfaction. Yet, the exact behaviors that link neuroticism to lower relationship satisfaction are not well established. This seven–day daily diary study (N = 246) identified specific, everyday behaviors that might explain how neuroticism and relationship satisfaction are linked. Using exploratory factor analysis, we identified sets of positive (e.g. complimenting your partner) and negative behaviors (e.g. making your partner cry). Then, post-hoc, we ran another exploratory factor analysis to establish a subcategory of conflict tactic behaviors within the negative behavior cluster and a subcategory of emotionally expressive behaviors within the positive behavior cluster. We then examined which of these clusters of behaviors mediate the relationship between neuroticism and relationship satisfaction. The broad category of negative behaviors explained the association; the broad category of positive behaviors did not. The subcategory of conflict tactics mediated the relationship over and beyond the mediational impact of the broader negative behaviors factor. These findings suggest couple therapists might aim to increase relationship satisfaction by working to reduce specific negative behaviors associated with neuroticism.