Positive relationships are one of the greatest sources of happiness for people. However, the deterioration of these relationships can have significant detrimental effects on the individuals involved. In this sense, it has been observed that a low adjustment in the couple increases the risk of suffering emotional distress in its members. Moreover, these consequences are even more relevant when the experience of the children is also taken into account, since it has been noted that conflict between parents has a direct effect on the development of psychological symptoms on the part of the latter.

This casuistry seems to be relatively frequent in our current social context. It is difficult to obtain figures regarding couple satisfaction, but if we look at the latest data regarding annulments, separations and divorces in Spain, this problem affected some 84,551 people in the year 2022 (INE, 2023).

For these reasons, contributing to the increase of satisfaction within couple relationships is considered a primary goal within our society.

One of the key elements that could be involved in marital satisfaction corresponds to the communicationpatron saint used by couples when a conflict appears within their relationship. In relation to this aspect, it has been observed that coping with conflict, when carried out through constructive skills, favors both the development staff of the members of the couple and the consolidation of family relationships. However, the use of destructive strategies for its resolution could be considered a factor of family discomfort.

goal
This thesis seeks to investigate the patterns used by Spanish-speaking couples when resolving their conflicts and to show to what extent the different communication patterns used favor satisfaction and stability in marital relationships over time.

Directors of thesis
 

Alfonso Osorio
aosorio@unav.es