Investigates the association among dysfunctional relationship beliefs, problem-solving responses, and satisfaction in close relationships. Finds that persons who believe that disagreement is destructive and that partners cannot change are likely to leave or neglect a troubled relationship, to avoid voicing their concerns, and to report lower…

Examines the communication strategies that differentiate "strong" stepfamilies from stepfamilies having more difficulty, inductively deriving a composite of stepfamily "communication strengths." Finds that in general, strong stepfamilies reported using everyday talk, more openness, spending time together as a family, communicating clear rules and…