Deck 5: Conflict and Dissolution

Question 1

"In the end, I think this fight was a good thing. We've both learned important information about what we each expect from our relationship. I feel closer to you now than I did before." This statement illustrates which of Peterson's proposed endings to conflict?

A) Domination
B) Structural improvement
C) Separation
D) Compromise

Answer 1

B

Question 2

The conflict strategies of _______ and _______ are often associated with interpersonal distress and unhappiness.

A) reason; assertion
B) give; take
C) partner support; demand-withdraw
D) avoidance; manipulation

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Brittney and Kevin are having an argument. Kevin says, "Look, I get where you're coming from. How about if we sit down and figure out a compromise?" Brittney responds to Kevin's statement by looking away from him and preparing to leave the room. On her way out, she calls over her shoulder, "I don't want to talk about this right now." Brittney is using the conflict resolution strategy of _______.

A) assertion
B) partner support
C) avoidance
D) manipulation

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Disagreements about the causes of a particular behavior are known as _______.

A) selective attributions
B) negative attributions
C) meta-attributions
D) attributional conflicts

Question 5

Christie said something hurtful to Joel. She then apologized, explaining "I didn't mean to be rude; I'm still upset over the grade I got on that test." Joel responded, "That's okay; I know how important it is for you to keep your GPA up so you can get into a good graduate school." Joel's response to Christie's explanation represents _______.

A) a meta-attribution
B) attributional conflict
C) a responsibility attribution
D) a causal attribution

Question 6

Sillars et al. (2000), who videotaped couples discussing a conflict, found that when the partners later viewed the videotape and reported the thoughts and feelings they recalled having experienced during the discussion, each spouse . . .

A) Regarded his or her interpretations of the partner's behavior as objective observations
B) Showed evidence of taking the partner's perspective
C) Viewed his or her own communication less favorably than that of the partner
D) Generally was able to empathize fully with the partner's perspective

Question 7

Researchers have found that the more often couples experience _______, the less satisfied they are with their relationship.

A) structural improvement
B) integrative agreement
C) unresolved conflict
D) attributional conflict

Question 8

Research generally reveals that the conflict resolution strategy of _______ is associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction.

A) coercion
B) reason
C) manipulation
D) avoidance

Question 9

Brittney and Kevin are having an argument over whether or not to move across town. Brittney wants to stay where they are currently living, next door to her parents. Kevin wants to move to a neighborhood close to where he works. "Listen," Kevin says. "I understand that you're worried about moving so far away from your parents. I guess we could move to a neighborhood somewhere in between where they live and where I work." Kevin is using the conflict resolution strategy of _______.

A) assertion
B) partner support
C) avoidance
D) manipulation

Question 10

Which one of these statements about attributions during conflict is accurate?

A) Attributional processes are fairly inactive during times of conflict.
B) During conflict, partners often selectively recall information that serves their own interests.
C) During times of conflict, partners tend to take a very positive and benign view of each other's behavior.
D) Couples typically make very few attributions during times of conflict.

Question 11

Sometimes, partners resolve their conflicts by reducing their own personal wishes and instead finding a mutually acceptable alternative. This way of ending conflict is called _______.

A) domination
B) structural improvement
C) separation
D) compromise

Question 12

"I want you to stop going out with your friends on Friday night and instead spend time alone at home with me." "Well, I really look forward to going out on Fridays. Why don't I see my friends on Friday but spend all day Saturday at home with you?" "Okay-that works." This exchange illustrates which ending to conflict?

A) Integrative agreement
B) Structural improvement
C) Separation
D) Domination

Question 13

Chloe told Barb a secret. Barb then revealed Chloe's secret to some mutual acquaintances. Chloe believes that Barb was trying to ruin her reputation. Barb says that she simply forgot that what Chloe told her was a secret. Barb and Chloe are experiencing _______.

A) a disagreement
B) attributional conflict
C) meta-attributions
D) interpersonal turmoil

Question 14

"Fine, have it your way. We'll stay in the city. I hate it here, but I can't force you to move." This statement illustrates which of Peterson's proposed endings to conflict?

A) Domination
B) Structural improvement
C) Separation
D) Compromise

Question 15

Bram just made a negative comment about Katie's best friend. Below are four attributions that Katie might make for Bram's comment. Which one is likely to increase the likelihood that the two will have an argument?

A) "He didn't really mean it; he's probably just had a hard day."
B) "I'm really surprised he said that; it's not at all like him to be so rude."
C) "He deliberately said that to annoy me; he knows how important she is to me."
D) "This is all my fault; he never would have said that if I hadn't insulted his friend first."

Question 16

Conflict is likely to escalate to the extent that people attribute a partner's negative behavior to _______ causes.

A) external
B) specific
C) situational
D) internal

Question 17

"I can't listen to you anymore. I'm out of here!" This way of ending conflict is called _______.

A) domination
B) structural improvement
C) separation
D) compromise

Question 18

Higher levels of conflict are associated with the tendency to view a partner's negative behavior as _______.

A) blameworthy
B) unintentional
C) situationally caused
D) unstable

Question 19

Examinations of the moment-by-moment thought processes that occur between couples during conflict episodes reveal that people's attributions and perceptions often are _______.

A) complex and objective
B) realistic and mutually focused
C) simplistic and self-serving
D) objective and accurate

Question 20

Which one of the following statements about conflict is accurate?

A) Conflict is a destructive force in most romantic relationships.
B) Conflict tends to be lowest when partners experience major life transitions.
C) Conflict is a natural part of most romantic relationships.
D) Conflict is a sign of severe relationship distress.

Question 21

"It's over between us. End of discussion. Goodbye." This statement reflects the self-oriented and direct disengagement strategy of _______.

A) withdrawal
B) pseudo de-escalation
C) cost escalation
D) fait accompli

Question 22

"If I pick a fight, wreck the car, deliberately forget to pay the rent, and have an affair with the next-door neighbor, maybe my partner will finally realize that this marriage isn't working and ask me for a divorce." This statement reflects the self-oriented and indirect disengagement strategy of _______.

A) withdrawal
B) cost escalation
C) pseudo de-escalation
D) fait accompli

Question 23

Milo and his partner have been dating for six months. Recently, Milo has begun to wonder whether he is happy with the relationship and whether he should break up with his partner. According to Duck's model, Milo is in the _______ phase of relationship dissolution.

A) intrapsychic
B) dyadic
C) social
D) grave-dressing

Question 24

Research suggests that the processes of disillusionment and disengagement play a role in relationship dissolution. Which of the following statements illustrates the emotional indifference component of these processes?

A) "We're so different; it's like we've become strangers."
B) "I feel nothing for her anymore."
C) "I know he wants to talk, but I'm too busy."
D) "She can go to the party by herself; I'm not interested."

Question 25

Which of the following statements about the demand-withdraw interaction pattern is accurate?

A) Husbands demand when the issue is important to them.
B) Wives always demand, and husbands always withdraw.
C) The demand-withdraw pattern occurs only among heterosexual married couples.
D) Same-sex couples do not show evidence of demand-withdraw.

Question 26

Which couple is least likely to end their relationship?

A) Mera and Arthur, a heterosexual married couple
B) Diana and Helena, a cohabiting lesbian couple
C) Billy and Ted, a cohabiting gay male couple
D) T'Challa and Ororo, a cohabiting heterosexual couple

Question 27

In general, researchers have found that the demand-withdraw pattern of communication is strongly and negatively correlated with which of the following?

A) Marital satisfaction
B) Interpersonal repulsion
C) Feelings of inequity
D) Personal well-being

Question 28

Research suggests that the processes of disillusionment and disengagement play a role in relationship dissolution. Which of the following statements illustrates the cognitive disconnection component of these processes?

A) "We're so different; it's like we've become strangers."
B) "I feel nothing for her anymore."
C) "All my feelings of love have disappeared."
D) "She can go to the party by herself; I'm not interested"

Question 29

Research suggests that the processes of disillusionment and disengagement play a role in relationship dissolution. Which of the following statements illustrates the behavioral distancing component of these processes?

A) "We're so different; it's like we've become strangers."
B) "I feel nothing for her anymore."
C) "All my feelings of love have disappeared."
D) "She can go to the party by herself; I'm not interested."

Question 30

The _______ pattern is more common among couples in distressed marriages.

A) husband-demand/wife-withdraw
B) wife-demand/husband-withdraw
C) husband-withdraw/wife-withdraw
D) wife-demand/husband-demand

Question 31

"I'm so glad we decided to sit down and talk about this. And I agree with you-this has been a wonderful relationship, but it's time for both of us to move on. I know that you and I will find the right partner." This statement reflects the other-oriented and direct disengagement strategy of _______.

A) a state-of-the-relationship talk
B) pseudo de-escalation
C) fading away
D) attributional conflict

Question 32

The accounts that people give for why their relationship ended may allow them to . . .

A) Safely bottle up their emotions
B) Hide the breakup from their social network
C) Exact revenge on their partners
D) Protect their self-esteem

Question 33

"I was sad when it ended, but the truth is that I learned a lot from being in that relationship. I now know how to be a better partner, and I think I'm ready to start dating again." This person is in the _______ phase of relationship dissolution.

A) intrapsychic
B) dyadic
C) social
D) resurrection

Question 34

Couple A displays a higher frequency of demand-withdraw in their interactions than does Couple B. What other differences would you expect to find between the two couples?

A) Couple A will be more well adjusted than Couple B.
B) Couple B will demonstrate less marital well-being than Couple A.
C) Couple A will be less satisfied with their relationship than Couple B.
D) None, the two couples should be relatively similar.

Question 35

In the _______ phase of relationship dissolution, the partners explain their situation to friends, family, and other people.

A) intrapsychic
B) dyadic
C) social
D) grave-dressing

Question 36

Milo and his partner have been dating for six months. He's very happy and considering asking his partner to move in with him. To his surprise, on their next date, his partner suddenly turns to him and says, "You know, this isn't really working out for me. I think we should break up and see other people." Milo is in the _______ phase of relationship dissolution.

A) intrapsychic
B) dyadic
C) social
D) grave-dressing

Question 37

Tom and Tania are unhappily married. What demand-withdraw pattern would you expect to find if you were to examine their interactions?

A) Tom generally demands, and Tania generally withdraws.
B) Tania demands more than Tom does, and Tom withdraws more than Tania does.
C) Tom demands more than Tania demands, and Tania withdraws more than Tom does.
D) Tania demands about as much as Tom does, and Tom withdraws about as much as Tania does.

Question 38

Survey data reveal that about _______ of all first marriages in the U.S. end in divorce or permanent separation.

A) 10%
B) 30%
C) 40%
D) 75%

Question 39

Based on your knowledge of the factors associated with relationship dissolution, which couple is at the highest risk for divorce?

A) Ron and Hermione, who self-disclose frequently to each other
B) Harry and Ginny, who have few alternative partners
C) Draco and Astoria, who have both had extramarital affairs
D) Bill and Fleur, who are in a monogamous and faithful union

Question 40

Sam and Sara are happily married. What demand-withdraw pattern would you expect to find if you were to examine their interactions?

A) Sam generally demands, and Sara generally withdraws.
B) Sara demands more than Sam does, and Sam withdraws more than Sara does.
C) Sam demands more than Sara does, and Sara withdraws more than Sam does.
D) Sara demands about as much as Sam does, and Sam withdraws about as much as Sara does.

Question 41

Based on your knowledge of the divorce and relationship dissolution literature, which one of the following couples will probably experience the least amount of distress should their relationship end?

A) Arthur and Molly, who receive many rewards relative to costs from each other
B) Lily and James, who have been together for many years
C) Vernon and Petunia, who have many viable alternative partners
D) Monica and Wendell, who are highly invested in their relationship

Question 42

An explanatory script that presents the plot, characters, and reasons for a relationship's ending is known as a(n) _______.

A) novella
B) disengagement strategy
C) account
D) relationship narrative

Question 43

What can we conclude about marital bereavement?

A) People who quickly adjust to the death of a partner are morally corrupt.
B) People react to the death of a partner in many different ways.
C) Very few people become highly depressed following the death of a partner.
D) It is not normal for people who lose a partner to show few overt signs of grief.

Question 44

Research on reactions to divorce indicates that . . .

A) Men and women undergoing a divorce only rarely experience symptoms of psychological distress
B) Almost all people who divorce experience lasting harmful consequences
C) It is extremely rare for people undergoing a divorce to experience positive responses
D) Women generally show better emotional recovery and adjustment following divorce than do men