Antecedents and consequences of demand/withdraw.
The authors examined the immediate antecedents and consequences of the demand/withdraw interaction pattern within naturally occurring conflicts. Both partners in 75 couples, including gay, lesbian, and straight couples, were interviewed individually regarding 2 recent conflicts, 1 chosen by each partner, and completed postinterview questionnaires. Interviews were coded for antecedents (e.g., upset prior to conflict), consequences (e.g., resolution of conflict), and demand/withdraw behaviors. In the postinterview questionnaires, participants rated demand/withdraw behaviors and their satisfaction with the outcome of the discussion. Results demonstrated that demand/withdraw behavior shifts depending on whose issue is under discussion, but other proximal antecedents did not significantly predict demand/withdraw. Regarding consequences, results indicated that most conflicts do not result in resolution, and most resolutions do not involve agreed-on change. Demand/withdraw did not predict a decreased likelihood of resolution. However, for those issues that were resolved, demand/withdraw resulted in a decreased likelihood of changes being agreed on. Furthermore, demand/withdraw predicted less satisfaction with the outcome of the discussion, even when controlling for the substantive outcome. Results were generally replicated across both self-report and coder ratings of demand/withdraw.
Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA. mmcginn@ucla.edu
Meghan M
MM
McGinn
Pamela T
PT
McFarland
Andrew
A
Christensen
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011340:Problem Solving; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult