Relational and Episodic Characteristics Associated with Conflict Tactics

Abstract

This study sought to discover how select episodic and relational variables are functionally related to communication tactics in situations of interpersonal conflict. More precisely, this study examined how communication satisfaction and perceived communication competence of partner might mediate the link between partner's conflict messages and developing relationship features. Partner's use of integrative tactics produced communication satisfaction and the perception of partner's competence. Communication satisfaction and partner competence, in turn, contributed to the definition of the interpersonal relationship in terms of greater control mutuality, trust, intimacy and relational satisfaction. Distributive tactics of partner were inversely related to communication satisfaction and perceived partner competence, and directly affected the relational characteristics of trust, control mutuality and satisfaction. Avoidance was not associated with episodic or relational features when referencing the partner's behavior. However, in tests that involved one's own conflict behavior, avoidance directly and negatively affected relational satisfaction.