Causal attributions for interactional behaviors in married couples

The present study investigated the causal attributions offered by 13 distressed and 14 nondistressed married couples for partner behaviors that occurred during laboratory problem-solving interactions. Attributions were assessed utilizing an indirect probe as well as direct ratings on standard attributional dimensions, subjects engaged in more attributional activity for negative partner behavior than for positive relationship events. Examination of attributional content on the indirect probe showed that “relationship-enhancing” attributions were most likely to occur in response to positive partner actions, while “distress-maintaining” attributions were most likely to follow negative acts. Group differences in the content of attributions offered were found on two dimensions examined with the rating scales. Relative to nondistressed couples, distressed spouses were significantly more likely to view negative partner behavior as global and stable, and positive partner behavior as less global and stable.