Results of study indicate that couples who share a similar definition of their relationship are significantly more in agreement on a variety of relational issues and are more cohesive than couples who do not share a relational definition. (JMF)

Using "talk time" measures of spouse/stranger interaction styles, tested models of communication. Concluded that (1) a spillover interactionist model best represented the talk time data; (2) sex had no apparent effect on speaking with either a spouse or a stranger; and (3) few personality variables predicted talk time, though relationship…

Hypothesized that androgynous spouses would be more understanding of their mates. A study of 207 married couples showed that at the individual level, the androgynous demonstrated more understanding than the undifferentiated, but less understanding than sex-typed individuals. Sex-typed spouses were easiest to understand. (Author/JAC)

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)

Introduces a special issue of "Communication Research," which examines (both quantitatively and qualitatively) how processes within individuals influence communication within marital and family life. (SR)

Outlines conceptual distinction among avoidance, cooperation, and competitive conflict resolution strategies used by marital partners. Couples (N=43) were audiotaped as they discussed previous disagreements. Found the temporal aspects of speech, including turn-taking and interruptions, need to be considered in the study of couples' conflict…