Presents the Dyadic Interaction Scoring Code (DISC) as a marital observation system designed to be compatible with the Datamyte 900 Data Collector. Its derivation from existing coding systems and its contributions are discussed. Data on marital interaction provide a research example of its usage. (JAC)

Assesses the types of conversational patterns--from cross-complaining to contracting--that characterize satisfied couples; suggests theoretical models that account for their success. Proposes the hypothesis that the underlying mechanism that maintains closeness in marriages is symmetry in emotional responsiveness, which relates to whether spouses…

A simple test is described that has proven highly effective when used by married couples. It can be self-administered. Couples who use it can learn a great deal about their relationship and do so in terms of positive insights which they can then use to promote mutual growth. (Author)

This paper reports a methodological study in which live communication between young married spouses was compared with a self-reporting of their communication processes. Results support the use of observational research as a methodological tool in the search for an understanding of marital communication patterns. (Author)

This study assumes that companionship among married couples varies according to the social status of the wife. It is predicted that a couple's mutual participation increases as socioeconomic status and urban background increase, but that it decreases with age and length of marriage. (Author)

Examines various measures such as intensity, frequency and reciprocity of hits used in a game fight between spouses and attempts to relate such actions to the amount of discord reported in the represented marriages. (MH)

It was hypothesized that unhappily married couples would show a deficit in problem solving by indicating significantly more unresolved problems and would indicate less involvement with one another in both elective free-time activities and shared sexuality. All hypotheses were confirmed. (Author)

Compares the compliance-gaining interactions of selected marital types determined by the Relational Dimensions Instrument. Concludes that the various marital types used are associated with different compliance-gaining communication patterns. (MS)

The present study focuses on multiple dimensions of face-to-face marriage interaction as the basis for identifying patterns or "types" of couple relating. The research assumes that it is possible to classify marriage relationships by criteria which are objective enough to allow replication and concensus. Particular emphasis is placed on the…

Two hypotheses related to the conceptualization of marriage as an interaction relationship and marital dysfunction as interpersonal pathology were tested empirically with first-married couples (N=30) asking specifically for marital counseling. Data analysis revealed support for the second but not the first hypothesis. (Author)

The interactions of 10 maritally adjusted and 10 maladjusted couples were compared using a coding system based on the Leary circumplex. Major findings are (1) adjusted couples communicated more affection and submission than did maladjusted ones, (2) all couples were more likely to show complementary sequencing patterns with some interesting…

Data collected from 161 married couples were analyzed for communication patterns indicative of "domineeringness" and "transactional redundancy" (the degree of randomness contained within a couple's communicative behavior). From this data came the following observations: There is a negative correlation between domineeringness, particularly by the…

The impact of two levels of infant organization and marital satisfaction on parent-infant interaction patterns was investigated in 25 couples. It was predicted that (1) disorganized infants would have a negative impact on the parent-infant relationship, and that (2) parent-infant interaction with disorganized infants would be more negative among…

Investigates certain subtle extraverbal cues and whether these relate to accord or discord between newlywed couples. (MH)

This paper reflects the thoughts, observations and clinical experiences of the authors and two dozen of their colleagues in treating people involved in an assortment of non-marital sexual relationships. Presented at the American Association of Marriage and Family Counselors Conference, Hartford, Connecticut, May 21-23, 1976. (Author)