Psychological Elucidation of Destructive Communication Patterns in High-Conflict Couples
Keywords:
marital conflict, destructive communication patterns, emotion regulation, cognitive distortion, couple therapyAbstract
This study aims to systematically explain the emotional, cognitive, and interactional mechanisms underlying destructive communication patterns in couples experiencing chronic conflict. This qualitative review employed thematic analysis based solely on systematic literature review. Following comprehensive database searches, 15 eligible studies were selected and analyzed until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data coding and theme development were conducted using NVivo version 14 through open coding, conceptual organization, and theme integration. Three core themes emerged: emotional dysregulation, cognitive distortions, and maladaptive interaction patterns. These systems function in a cyclical, self-reinforcing manner, whereby heightened emotional reactivity, negative interpretations, demand–withdraw cycles, attack–defense sequences, and communication avoidance perpetuate and intensify marital conflict. Marital conflict represents a multidimensional phenomenon requiring simultaneous intervention across emotional, cognitive, and interactional domains. The findings underscore the necessity of integrated couple-therapy models emphasizing emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, and interactional reorganization.
Downloads
References
Baucom, D. H., Epstein, N. B., & Kirby, J. S. (2015). Cognitive-behavioral couple therapy. In A. S. Gurman, J. L. Lebow, & D. K. Snyder (Eds.), Clinical handbook of couple therapy (5th ed., pp. 31–72). Guilford Press.
Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.
Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. Basic Books.
Bradbury, T. N., Fincham, F. D., & Beach, S. R. H. (2000). Research on the nature and determinants of marital satisfaction. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 62(4), 964–980.
Christensen, A., & Heavey, C. L. (1990). Gender and social structure in the demand/withdraw pattern of marital conflict. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59(1), 73–81.
Cummings, E. M., & Davies, P. T. (2010). Marital conflict and children: An emotional security perspective. Guilford Press.
Dattilio, F. M. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy with couples and families: A comprehensive guide for clinicians. Guilford Press.
Epstein, N. B., & Baucom, D. H. (2002). Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy for couples: A contextual approach. American Psychological Association.
Fincham, F. D., & Beach, S. R. H. (2010). Marriage in the new millennium: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 2(2), 114–124.
Gottman, J. M. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. Norton.
Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry, 26(1), 1–26.
Karney, B. R., & Bradbury, T. N. (1995). The longitudinal course of marital quality and stability. Psychological Bulletin, 118(1), 3–34.
Markman, H. J., Rhoades, G. K., Stanley, S. M., Ragan, E. P., & Whitton, S. W. (2010). The premarital communication roots of marital distress and divorce. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(3), 289–298.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2016). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.