This book explores the subject of marital interaction. It brings together the work of international scholars and is divided into four sections: communication as a means by which couples manage everyday life; communication as a means of expression of emotion; communication and problem-solving; coping with relationships outside marriage. The text is interdisciplinary and looks at the issue from various angles: social psychology, clinical psychology and communications. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of sex differences in interaction patterns and the experience of counselling plays an important part.

This book contains revised versions of the papers presented at a conference sponsored by the Division of Individual and Family Studies in the College of Human Development at the Pennsylvania State University in April, 1977.

Marital Interaction: Experimental Investigations deals with experimental studies on marital interaction. Emphasis is on the importance of the role of description in the study of social interaction. Methods for the analysis of pattern and sequence, including cross-spectral time-series analysis, are also presented. Comprised of 15 chapters, this book begins with a historical review of several research traditions that have concerned themselves with families and marriages: the sociological tradition; the family therapy or systems tradition; the social learning tradition; and the developmental tradition. Research that points to the potential importance of the observation of consensual decision-making processes is also reviewed. A model of marital interaction called the Structural Model, which can be used to predict changes in marital satisfaction, is described. Subsequent chapters focus on the Couples Interaction Scoring System, an observational system for categorizing marital interaction; modern concepts of the assessment of reliability, particularly the stringent assessment that is necessary for sequential analysis; differences between well-functioning and poorly functioning marriages; couples' interactional styles in terms of communication skill deficits; and the concept of an individual's social competence. This monograph will be of interest to psychologists engaged in research on marriage, as well as sociologists and clinical researchers.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Over a million copies sold! “An eminently practical guide to an emotionally intelligent—and long-lasting—marriage.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work has revolutionized the way we understand, repair, and strengthen marriages. John Gottman’s unprecedented study of couples over a period of years has allowed him to observe the habits that can make—and break—a marriage. Here is the culmination of that work: the seven principles that guide couples on a path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward yet profound, these principles teach partners new approaches for resolving conflicts, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy. Gottman offers strategies and resources to help couples collaborate more effectively to resolve any problem, whether dealing with issues related to sex, money, religion, work, family, or anything else. Packed with new exercises and the latest research out of the esteemed Gottman Institute, this revised edition of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.

These are valuable research results for people working with married couples. . . . Fitzpatrick's work offers benefits to those trying to understand more about marital communication. The fact that it has a clear theoretical sense, that it builds on a very large data set, that it is supported by a consistent research agenda, and that it welcomes new validation make it an important tool for further research.

In this book the author has gathered the various aspects of his theoretical and clinical approach to marriage difficulties into a coherent system, for the benefit of professional workers and students.

First Published in 1986. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.