Cognition and Relational Conflict
Because there are excellent extant reviews of cognition in interpersonal conflict (e.g., Roloff & White, this volume), our discussion is limited to three points that are particularly pertinent to our framework for understanding conflict in romantic relationships (see Figure 6.1).
First, although there is ample evidence of links between observable conflict behaviors and relational outcomes, it is crucial to augment such findings with an understanding of how relational partners interpret these behaviors. Individuals’ perceptions of conflict behaviors mediate much of the connection between manifest conflict behaviors and relational outcomes (Canary, Cupach, & Serpe, 2001; Matthews et al., 1996), and biased but positive perceptions of a partner’s conflict style may quell the effects of negative conflict styles (Segrin, Hanzal, & Domschke, 2009).Second, it is important to recognize the complex interconnections among cognitive elements of varying time frames. More molar perceptions are not necessarily the simple sum of more microscopic experiences (Caughlin & Huston, 1996). In fact, once broad perceptions are formed, they probably shape more specific evaluations, which would explain why overall relational dissatisfaction predicts negative thoughts about one’s partner during specific interactions (Sillars et al., 2000; Vangelisti, Corbin, Lucchetti, & Sprague, 1999).
Third, cognition is usually conceptualized in terms of how people interpret conflicts; for instance, attributions and biases concerning conflict have received considerable attention (see Roloff & White, this volume). It is important to recognize, however, that such interpretations influence subsequent conflict interactions. Consider, for example, instances when individuals perceive that their partner has been hostile in previous conflict encounters and believe that the partner will be hostile in future encounters. In some cases, the expected hostility may lead the individuals to begin conflicts in an antagonistic manner, but in other cases, the expected hostility may lead the individuals to be particularly positive or to avoid conflicts altogether (see Miller & Turnbull, 1986). Regardless of how they respond to such expectations, their cognitions about conflict are important to understanding the conflict.
The Environment of
Conflict in Romantic Relationships
The social ecological framework depicted in Figure 6.1 suggests that is it important to consider the broader context of conflict in romantic relationships, but there is far less research on environmental influences than there is on individuals’ and on dyads’ behaviors. When the environment is considered, it is usually conceptualized as operating through individual differences, such as ethnicity and sexual orientation.