The purpose of the proposed research is to determine the role played by relational schemas in the long-term course of marriage. The small existing literature on relational schemas (i.e., broad mental representations of close relationships, such as the perception of one's relationship as a team) in marriage suggests that these broad-level cognitions may have important implications for marital functioning. This literature has focused on relatively young marriages, thus we know very little about the role that relational schemas play in more mature marriages. With a sample of moderate-length and long-term marriages, the proposed studies will take a longitudinal and multi-method approach- involving narrative, behavioral, self-report, and physiological data.
The first aim i s to investigate whether relational schemas (measured from spouses' narratives) are associated with the emotional quality of marital interaction (measured from patterns of behavior, self-reported affect, and physiology).
The second aim i s to examine whether relational schemas can predict changes in marital satisfaction and marital stability over time.
The third aim i s to examine whether relational schemas show convergence as marriages age. Marital distress and divorce carry strong negative consequences for the mental and physical health of family members; thus, a more comprehensive understanding of marital relationships is needed. By examining relational schemas over time and in conjunction with indices of marital functioning, these studies have the potential to enhance strategies for preventing and ameliorating marital dysfunction.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31MH012828-03
Application #
6528630
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-RPHB-4 (01))
Program Officer
Curvey, Mary F
Project Start
2002-07-05
Project End
Budget Start
2002-07-05
Budget End
2003-07-04
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$24,092
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
094878337
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704