Investigating the Relation Between Stress and Marital Satisfaction: The Interaction Effects of Dyadic Coping and Communication

Abstract

This study examined the role that communication and coping skills play in the relation between stress and marital satisfaction in a community sample of 119 married, heterosexual couples in Italy. Hierarchical regression models were used to test for communication or coping skills as a moderator of the relation between an external or internal stressor and relationship satisfaction. Results from regression analyses showed that actor reports of both coping and communication significantly contributed to relationship satisfaction above and beyond contributions from external/internal stressors for both husbands and wives. There was a significant interaction effect of poor communication and internal stress on relationship satisfaction for both husbands and wives. There was also a significant interaction effect of coping skills and internal stress on relationship satisfaction for wives. Additionally, there was a significant interaction effect of husbands’ coping and wives’ internal stress on relationship satisfaction. Implications of these findings for prevention and intervention strategies for relationship distress and for further research are discussed.