Conflict is a normal occurrence in marriage, but when poorly managed can lead to divorce. The purpose of this research was to understand marital conflict as it changes over time. The researcher examined marital conflict from an Ecosystemic/ Person-Process-Context-Time (PPCT) theoretical perspective and longitudinal design. Using three waves of data from the National Survey of Families and Households, the researcher used a sample of 289 couples to examine conflict resolution techniques and the effect of depression, having children, couple's difference in age, income, and race on marital conflict. Through multiple regression analysis, the researcher found arguing heatedly had a negative effect and discussing conflict calmly a positive effect on conflict over time. Overall, arguing heated had the greatest effect on marital conflict over time. These findings have significant implications for marriage and family therapists working with couples who are dealing with conflict. The implications and recommendations regarding conflict with married couples are discussed. / A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Family and Child Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of
Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2008. / October 20, 2008. / National Survey of Families and Households, PPCT Model, Marriage, Conflict Resolution Techniques / Includes bibliographical references. / Ann Mullis, Professor Directing Dissertation; Maxine Jones, Outside Committee Member; Robert E. Lee, Committee Member; Lenore McWey, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_176024 |
| Contributors | Troupe, Faith (authoraut), Mullis, Ann (professor directing dissertation), Jones, Maxine (outside committee member), Lee, Robert E. (committee member), McWey, Lenore (committee member), Program in Marriage and Family Therapy (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution) |
| Publisher | Florida State University, Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text |
| Format | 1 online resource, computer, application/pdf |
| Rights | This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). The copyright in theses and dissertations completed at Florida State University is held by the students who author them. |
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