The Effects of Physical Violence and Physiological Arousal Working through Verbal Abuse on Marital Satisfaction
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Ryan, Kimberly
Keywords
Physical Violence, Physiological Arousal, Verbal Abuse, Marital Satisfaction
Area of Concentration
Biological Psychology
Abstract
This study will investigate the relationship between physical violence, physiological arousal, and verbal abuse in the couple. Past research indicates that physical violence, physiological arousal and verbal abuse all have detrimental effects on marital satisfaction (Davila, Bradbury, Cohan, & Tochluk, 1997; Hill, 2000). Gottman (1996) postulated that physiological arousal during conflict, was likely to result in a flight or fight response, like aggression or withdrawal. To date, however, there has not been any comprehensive research examining these three variables as part of a system that negatively influences marital satisfaction. Through a path analysis of previously gathered data on 94 distressed couples, this study will assess the effects of these three variables on marital satisfaction. Data on marital satisfaction, physical violence and verbal abuse were collected using self-report surveys, while the data for physiological arousal was collected during a baseline period. It is hypothesized that the variables physical violence, physiological arousal and verbal abuse are related to marital satisfaction. The first path model that was proposed did not fit the data so a secondary hypothesis was formed from the theory and research. This secondary hypothesis suggested that physical violence and physiological arousal work through verbal abuse to affect marital satisfaction. Understanding the relationship between these multiple factors is vital if we are to develop effective treatment programs for distressed couples.
Recommended Citation
McDevitt, Alison, "The Effects of Physical Violence and Physiological Arousal Working through Verbal Abuse on Marital Satisfaction" (2003). Theses & ETDs. 3272.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3272
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.