Conflict resolution strategies as a mediator in the relationship between self-compassion and relationship satisfaction : Actor effect and partner effect

자기자비와 관계만족에서 갈등대처행동의 매개: 자기효과와 상대방효과 분석

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate a role of self-compassion in conflict resolution strategies among dating couples. Further, we examined conflict resolution strategies as mechanisms to explain in the relationship between self-compassion and relationship satisfaction. Method: Two hundred forty two dating couples were recruited. Actor and Partner Independence Model(APIM) was used to examine actor and partner effects of self-compassion on relationship satisfaction as well as conflict resolution strategies. The total of 4 APIMs, two positive conflict resolution strategies(i.e., positive emotional reactions, active coping) and two negative conflict resolution strategies(i.e., negative emotional reactions and hostility, avoidance) were analyzed. Positive conflict resolution strategies had only actor effect in the link between self-compassion and relationship satisfaction. That is, self-compassionate men and women were more likely to use positive conflict resolution strategies and, in turn, led to their higher relationship satisfaction. Both actor and partner effects were found in the negative conflict resolution strategy models. In terms of actor effect self-compassionate men and women were less likely to use negative conflict resolution strategies and that, in turn, led to their higher relationship satisfaction. In terms of partner effects we found that women's negative emotional reactions and hostility mediated the link between women's self-compassion and their male partners' relationship satisfaction. Men's avoidance mediated the link between men's self-compassion and their female partners' relationship satisfaction.