Relational expectancy fulfillment as an explanatory variable for distinguishing couple types

Previous research demonstrates that Traditional and Separate-Traditional (M ixed) couples report highest levels of marital satisfaction, followed by In dependents and Separates (Fitzpatrick, 1988). This research project used an expectancy fulfillment to understand these differences in marital satisfac tion across couple type. Focusing on relational expectations (Kelley Ci Bur geon, 1991) as critical variables to relational functioning, behavior-expec tation discrepancy scores across 7 relational dimensions (intimacy, dominan ce, quality-h-usf, receptivity, distance, noncomposure-arousal, and informa lity) were examined by couple type. As predicted, Traditional couples gener ally reported more expectancy fulfillment and relational satisfaction than did other couple types, and Separates less. Only informality failed to dist inguish between any 2 couple types. Interestingly, Traditionals experienced primarily positive expectancy violations, whereas Separates experienced mo re negative violations than did other couple types. Couples also differed a s to what they considered a positive or negative violation. Both couple typ e and relational discrepancy scores were found to be important predictors o f relational satisfaction.