Interpersonal communication skills differentiating more satisfying from less satisfying marital relationships

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine specific interpersonal communication skills which differentiated couples with more satisfying marital relationships from those with less satisfying relationships. To accomplish this purpose, 25 statements representing specific communication skills were derived from a review of the literature. These statements were arranged as two scales, Interpersonal Communication Skills Inventory-Self (ICSI-Self), and Interpersonal Communication Skills Inventory-Spouse (ICSI-Spouse). A total of 111 married couples completed the following instruments: Personal Data Inventory (PDI), Marital Adjustment Test (MAT), Marital Communication Inventory (MCI), ICSI-Self, and ICSI-Spouse. Participation in the study was voluntary, and no attempt was made to select or limit the sample according to age, ethnicity, level of education, or number of years married. Biographical data provided as responses to PDI by all participants indicated a wide range of characteristics within every variable.