Communication and Couples’ Socioeconomic Class (1 CE)

Number of credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists

Course By: Rachel Schoor, PhD

Course Content: Ross, J. M., Karney, B. R., Nguyen, T. P., & Bradbury, T. N. (2019). Communication that is maladaptive for middle-class couples is adaptive for socioeconomically disadvantaged couples. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 116(4), 582. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000158

Course Description: Partner demands for relationship related changes and associated withdrawal can lead to declines in relationship satisfaction, but may allow partners to express concerns and potential conflict de-escalation and satisfaction stabilization. Two studies tested whether demand/ withdraw communication is differentially adaptive/detrimental among disadvantaged and socioeconomically advantaged couples. Study 1 confirms that demand/withdraw communication is harmful among affluent couples and beneficial among disadvantaged couples. Study 2 confirms socioeconomic risk as a moderator between couple’s demand/withdraw communication and wives’ relationship satisfaction. Overall, male withdrawal was adaptive when couples lacked the capabilities to enact desired changes. Therapists should be cognizant of socioeconomic contexts when addressing client’s marriage communication.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the main purposes of study 1 and study 2 and evaluate the methods used by the researchers in the exploration of socioeconomic status and marriage communication.
2. Identify the 3 key findings presented in the study.
3. Identify 4 limitations of the study presented by the researchers and consider the implications of these limitations in the context of future research in this area.

Course Outline

• Read and understand Communication that is maladaptive for middle-class couples is adaptive for socioeconomically disadvantaged couples
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Consider the factors related to socioeconomic status, marital communication, and relationship satisfaction
• Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the respective article
• Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the relationships between socioeconomic status, various partner demand and withdraw patterns, and relationship satisfaction.

Approvals: