Extreme relationship standards in the context of discordant and nondiscordant couples

ORCID

Carolynn S. Kohn: 0000-0002-2156-4898

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice

Department

Psychology

ISSN

1077-7229

Volume

12

Issue

3

DOI

10.1016/S1077-7229(05)80054-9

First Page

319

Last Page

323

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Abstract

Research suggests that extreme relationship standards are both positively and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. This study tested the hypothesis that the association between relationship satisfaction and extreme standards is moderated by the status of the couple (i.e., discordant versus nondiscordant). Sixty-two couples completed a thought-listing task designed to assess relationship standards. Regression analyses supported the study hypothesis. Extreme standards were associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction among nondiscordant wives but with lower levels of relationship satisfaction among discordant husbands and discordant wives. This study helps clarify the role of extreme standards in relationship functioning, and their potential contributions to both theoretical constructs of relationships as well as the increased efficacy of couples therapy.

Comments

This manuscript is based on a master's thesis by Carolynn S. Kohn under the direction of Steven L. Sayers (now at the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center) at Medical College of Pennsylvania Hahnemann University. A portion of the data in this study derives from the data set utilized in Heyman, Sayers, and Bellack (1994), Sayers, Kohn, Fresco, Bellack, and Sarwer (2001), and Sayers and Laurenceau (2005). Portions of the current results were presented at the 30th annual meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, New York, November 1996. The current study is based on results not previously published. This study was conducted with support from a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (RO3 MH47834). Preparation of this manuscript was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (RO1 MH41577) and by a training grant (T32 DA07250) and a center grant (P 50 DA9253) from the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

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