Personality and conflict communication patterns in cohabiting couples

Abstract We assessed the links between the five major personality dimensions and perceptions of conflict communication patterns within cohabiting heterosexual couples. Participants were 79 couples (N = 158) who completed the International Personality Item Pool ( Goldberg, 1999 ) and the Communication Patterns Questionnaire ( Christensen & Sullaway, 1984 ). Intraclass correlations were computed to determine whether communication patterns should be analyzed at the dyad or individual level. Results showed that self-reported neuroticism and conscientiousness among men were the strongest predictors of dyadic perceptions of constructiveness, avoidance and withholding, and man demand–woman withdraw. However, no significant personality predictors of men’s and women’s perceptions of woman demand–man withdraw were found. Possible explanations for these results are canvassed and the discussion is framed in the context of previous research findings as well as the nature of the major personality dimensions.

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