Psychological Elucidation of Conflict–Withdrawal Cycles in Couples

Abstract

This study aimed to provide an integrated psychological explanation of the mechanisms underlying the formation, maintenance, and consequences of conflict–withdrawal cycles in marital relationships. This qualitative review employed an analytical–interpretive approach based on a systematic examination of the literature. Fourteen peer-reviewed international articles were selected using predefined inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis utilizing NVivo 14. The coding process followed open, axial, and selective stages and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results revealed that conflict–withdrawal cycles emerge from the dynamic interaction of three major components: emotional instability (high emotional sensitivity, maladaptive emotion regulation, and negative cognitive appraisals), dysfunctional interaction patterns (demand–withdraw cycles, destructive communication, ineffective problem solving, and erosion of intimacy), and cumulative psychological consequences (attachment anxiety, chronic emotional avoidance, relational emotional exhaustion, and weakened self-concept). These components operate as a self-reinforcing system that perpetuates conflict, intensifies emotional disengagement, and undermines marital stability. The findings indicate that conflict–withdrawal cycles constitute a multi-layered psychological structure; therefore, effective interventions must simultaneously target emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, interactional patterns, and attachment processes to promote relational repair and prevent marital deterioration.