Trust and communicated attributions in close relationships

The attributional statements intimate partners communicate to one another w ere examined as a function of trust. In discussions by 35 married couples, 850 attributions and corresponding events were coded on dimensions of valen ce, globality, and locus. Results of regression and contingency analyses in dicate that attributional statements expressed in high-trust relationships emphasized positive aspects of the relationship. Medium-trust couples activ ely engaged issues but focused more on negative events and explanations. Lo w-trust couples, expressed more specific, less affectively extreme attribut ional statements that minimized the potential for increased conflict. Resul ts could not be accounted for by relationship satisfaction. These findings also highlight the importance of focusing on features of the events for whi ch attributions are expressed.