Marital conflict as predictor of psychophysical health

Abstract

This study examined frequency of and proneness to marital conflict, and resolution strategies as predictors of psychophysical health. The sample consists of 127 participants aged 29-56 years. Psychophysical health was measured by the Family Health Status Inventory (FHSI; Norem, Malia and Garrison, 1992), which includes physical and emotional indicators of health. For conflict measures we used one-item scales of frequency of and proneness to conflict in marriage and the Conflict Resolution Style Inventory (CRSI; Kurdek, 1994). The factor analysis of CRSI revealed 3 conflict resolution styles: withdrawal, aggression and constructive problem solving. The results of the regression indicated the predictor variables explained 18.6% of the variance (R2=0.186, F(5, 116)= 6.534, p<.001). Proneness to conflict (β=.371, p<.001) and aggression as conflict resolution style (β=.254, p<.05) were found as significant predictors of psychophysical health. In conclusion, marital partners who perceive their marriage as more prone to conflict regardless of the frequency of the conflict and use aggression as resolution strategy have more health problems. This study is a part of the project no.179022, supported by Ministry of education, science and technological development.