The Textbook Describes Studies on the Association Between the Positive

Multiple Choice

The textbook describes studies on the association between the positive and negative content (skills) and emotions displayed by newlyweds and the rate of change in marital satisfaction. What is the most important conclusion from these studies?

A) Negative content is detrimental to a marriage only when partners are also low in positive emotional expressions such as humor, affection, and interest.
B) Negative content is detrimental to marriage, particularly when it is accompanied by positive affect.
C) What people say (content) is irrelevant for marital satisfaction; the key is the affect that people display in their interactions.
D) Negative content is detrimental to marriage because couples with poor conflict resolution skills also display fewer positive emotional expressions such as humor, affection, and interest.