REACTING TO CHANGES IN NONVERBAL BEHAVIORS - RELATIONAL SATISFACTION AND ADAPTATION PATTERNS IN ROMANTIC DYADS

Two studies investigated patterns of nonverbal cues between intimates as predicted by schema-based models of behavioral adaptation. In Study 1, participants engaged in a game-playing episode. Consistent with, b ut extending, past research, some adaptation occurred when partners ac ted uninvolved, used cues signifying low activity, and showed positive affect. Further, satisfied couples were move likely than dissatisfied dyads to reciprocate their partners' positive affect. In the second s tudy, couples discussed upcoming plans. Reciprocity occurred for almos t all behavioral composites bur did not differentiate satisfied from d issatisfied couples significantly. If is argued that reciprocity shoul d be predicted in intimate relationships and that it contributes to th e communication climate of the relationship. other influences have an important, but lesser, impact.