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- Title
DOMAINS OF EXPRESSIVE INTERACTION IN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS: ASSOCIATIONS WITH SATISFACTION COMMITMENT.
- Authors
Sprecher, Susan; Metts, Sandra; Burleson, Brant; Hatfield, Elaine; Thompson, Alicia
- Abstract
The article examines the domains of expressive interaction in predicting relationship satisfaction and commitment. The expressive side of the relationship includes behaviors for establishing and maintaining personal relationships, including empathy, showing affection, and warmth. It is in the expressive dimension of the relationship that rewards associated with interactions are most likely to contribute to the partners' satisfaction and commitment. There are three domains of expressive interaction: companionship, sexual expression, and supportive communication. Results indicated that all three domains of expressive interaction were significantly related to relationship satisfaction and commitment and that supportive communication had the strongest association with satisfaction and commitment. These results suggest that it is unlikely that partners come to specialize in one form of expressive interaction and neglect the other ways of being expressive. The results of this study have implications for distressed couples and the therapists and counselors they come to for help.
- Subjects
INTERPERSONAL relations; EXPRESSIVE behavior; INTERPERSONAL communication; COMPASSION; EMPATHY; CARING; MARITAL satisfaction
- Publication
Family Relations, 1995, Vol 44, Issue 2, p203
- ISSN
0197-6664
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/584810