Mechanisms of dyadic coping : implications for intervention

Abstract

This dissertation aims to expand on the current knowledge regarding stress and dyadic coping (DC) in intimate relationships, given the crucial role both play for couples functioning, well-being and health. Our core aim was to fill and link important contextual (Portuguese culture context), intrapersonal (love styles), interpersonal (we-ness) and relational outcomes (relationship satisfaction) empirical gaps related with the way couples support each other and jointly cope with stress (i.e., DC); within a systemic-transaction model (STM; Bodenmann, 2005) framework of stress and DC. Apart from the literature review and theoretical model proposal made for we-ness, three empirical studies were conducted to test the above-identified gaps. Findings support that: (1) DC is a valid construct in the Portuguese context, which can have important implications since Portugal is one of the European countries with one of the highest divorce rates and faces a multitude of stressors; (2) love styles (romantic, altruistic and ludic) are relevant interpersonal motivational factors affecting different DC forms, and these coping behaviors partially explain the association between the former styles and RS; thus both the field of psychology of love and DC were expanded as well as linked; and, (3) DC was found to have a relationship enhancement mediation role via we-ness in promoting RS, which enlarged our knowledge about the STM as well as the new and important field of we-ness. Our findings have important research implications as well as interventional implications by hinting that it may be advisable to incorporate love styles, DC and we-ness related methods into preventive and clinical approaches. In view of the interplay between these factors, and how partners mutually influence each other, helping couples in enhancing their coping capabilities regarding stress, while attending to their love attitudes and fostering we-ness, may be crucial for promoting more satisfying and hopefully, more resilient relationships.