“We can work it out”: positive problem solving as a mediator between perspective-taking and relationship satisfaction among college students

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the role of positive problem solving in the relation between perspective taking and relationship satisfaction. Participants: One hundred and four college students participated in the present study, if they had been in a romantic relationship for a minimum of six months. Methods: Participants completed measures of relationship satisfaction, perspective-taking relative to romantic couples, and of positive problem-solving in couples. Results: As predicted, both perspective-taking and positive problem-solving were significantly related to relationship satisfaction. In addition, positive problem-solving emerged as a significant partial mediator of the relation between perspective-taking and relationship satisfaction. Conclusions: The benefits of skills training in the areas of perspective-taking and problem-solving in college student health and functioning are discussed.