There are several ways to cope with prolonged stress in interpersonal relationships. Some individuals tend to avoid the situation entirely while others try to solve it immediately, some will analyze the problem until they find a solution, and still, others may turn to substances to alleviate their anxiety. This paper explores how different coping styles affect relationship satisfaction during prolonged periods of stress.
Coping Styles and Relationship Satisfaction
When faced with prolonged stress, people can adopt various strategies to cope with it. Coping style is defined as "an individual's characteristic approach or pattern of reaction to psychological stress" (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). People who employ active coping strategies tend to take direct action toward solving the source of their stress, whereas those who use passive coping tend to withdraw from it. According to Lazarus and Folkman, cognitive copers attempt to reframe the stressor in more positive terms, whereas behavioral copers try to control external factors related to the stressor.
Active coping strategies have been found to positively influence relationship satisfaction under prolonged stress (Burton et al., 2013).
Couples who engage in active communication about stressors and work together to resolve them are likely to experience greater relationship satisfaction than those who simply ignore or avoid discussing the issue (Duncan & Duncan, 2016). Moreover, active coping has also been associated with increased intimacy and trust in relationships (Rhoades et al., 2012), which are critical components of long-term relationship success.
Passive coping strategies may lead to decreased relationship satisfaction over time. Passive copers are less likely to initiate conversations about stressful situations and more likely to blame others for the situation rather than take responsibility for themselves (Gottman & Levenson, 1979). This lack of collaboration can contribute to feelings of resentment and frustration within the relationship, ultimately leading to lower levels of satisfaction.
Cognitive coping styles seem to have mixed effects on relationship satisfaction during prolonged stress. While some research suggests that cognitive copers report higher levels of relationship satisfaction compared to behavioral copers (Lazarus et al., 20005), other studies suggest no difference between the two groups (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). It is possible that individual differences in personality and attachment style play a role in how cognitive coping affects relationship satisfaction.
Individuals high in attachment anxiety may find it difficult to reframe negative thoughts related to their partner's actions, leading to decreased relationship satisfaction (Romano, 2003).
Different coping styles influence relationship satisfaction differently under prolonged stress. Couples who engage in active coping strategies such as communication and problem-solving are more likely to experience greater satisfaction than those who avoid or withdraw from the issue. Cognitive coping seems to be beneficial for some individuals but not for all. Understanding these differences can help couples develop healthier ways of managing stress together.
How do coping style differences influence relationship satisfaction under prolonged stress?
Research has shown that coping styles can have a significant impact on relationship satisfaction during times of prolonged stress. People who engage in active coping strategies such as problem-solving, planning, and seeking social support tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction than those who rely on avoidance coping strategies like denial, distraction, or suppression.