Bradbury and Fincham 1992 Study on Marital Problems

What was one of the aims of Bradbury and Fincham's research?

Which method was used to gather data in the study?

What was a significant finding regarding couples with low levels of marital satisfaction?

What issue related to the research sample was highlighted?

What was one limitation concerning the relationship patterns identified in the study?

What additional variable was mentioned that could influence communication styles and results?

How long had the couples in the study been married on average?

What aspect of the communication patterns was noted for distressed couples?

Bradbury and Fincham (1992) Study

Aim: To explore causal and responsibility attributions in marital problems.
Research Type: Observational study using questionnaires and video recordings.
Participants: 47 couples, average marriage length of 8.5 years, recruited through advertisements.
Procedure: Partners individually completed a marital satisfaction survey and a problem questionnaire. A 15-minute video recording of a problem discussion was analyzed by researchers for relationship enhancing/distress maintaining communication patterns.
Results:
- Couples with low marital satisfaction exhibited more distress-maintaining communication patterns.
- These couples tended to blame their partner for marital issues and viewed their partner's behavior as intentional and selfish.
- Interactions between these couples were rated as more hostile and less accepting of positive communication attempts.
Evaluation:
- Researcher triangulation increased data reliability.
- Findings have implications for couple therapy.
- Correlation direction is uncertain.
- Other factors like mental illness could influence communication styles.
- Couples may have differing levels of problem seriousness.
- The sample was Western and not generalizable to other cultures or unmarried/homosexual couples.

This quiz explores the Bradbury and Fincham study conducted in 1992, which investigates causal and responsibility attributions in marital issues. It examines the relationship communication patterns among couples with varying levels of marital satisfaction. By analyzing observational data, this research highlights the dynamics of marital distress and the implications for relationship counseling.