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…

Researchers are now attempting to improve techniques for studying stable behavior patterns in family systems over long periods of time, e.g., the marital dyad across several levels of function and dysfunction covering time periods of months to years. One approach to improving this research design is based on the assumptions that longitudinal…

This article describes research done to develop and test a proactive model for positive married student adjustment that could serve as an educational vehicle in aiding mature self-direction and development as a married student unit. (Author)

Observational studies of marital interaction have become increasingly popular in recent years, resulting from trends in family research including a movement towards the measurement of behavior rather than attitudes. In fact, there is now a proliferation of coding systems, but no "user's guide" for the researcher. This paper overviews the…