中華心理衛生協會

Purpose: We collected dyadic data from unmarried lovers to explore the constructive transformation process of conflict in intimate relationships. We investigated the different resolution strategies mediated the relationships between the type of cognitive appraisal (functional-oriented or competitive-oriented) used to assess conflict in intimate relationship and personal adaptation (satisfaction with the relationship and peace of mind).Method: We used the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) and structural equation modeling (SEM) for data analysis. Data were collected from 189 pairs of unmarried lovers by online surveyfrom June through August in 2016. Results: For both genders, a functional-oriented appraisal of conflict was positively related to a compatible resolution strategy, and consequently contributed to higher satisfaction with the relationship. For both genders, a competitive-oriented appraisal of conflict was positively related to an escape resolution strategy, and consequently contributed to lower satisfaction with the relationship. For men, a self-sacrifice resolution strategy was associated with higher satisfaction with the relationship and peace of mind, but a utilitarian resolution strategy was associated with lower satisfaction in the relationship. For both genders, if one partner had a self-sacrifice resolution strategy, the other had lower satisfaction with the relationship. If the female had a compatible resolution strategy, the male had lower peace of mind, but if the male had a compatible resolution strategy, the female had higher satisfaction with the relationship. The male partner's utilitarian resolution strategy was related to his partner's higher peace of mind. Conclusion: The results would be informative in investigating the dyadic conflict interaction process between unmarried young lovers, as well as in providing professional consultants a better understanding of the constructive transformation process of conflict in intimate relationships.