Conflict Resolution Styles Among Latino Couples

Abstract

Conflict resolution style was examined with 191 married Latino couples residing in Houston and Dallas, representing 21 different nationalities. The purpose of this study was to identify conflict resolution styles most predominant among Latino couples and to examine what demographic characteristics might be related to the couples' conflict resolution styles. Conflict resolution style (Avoidant, Volatile, and Validator) measured by Gottman's Marital Conflict Scale (MSC; Gottman, 1994) was significantly related to wives' and husbands' religiosity, husbands' religion, the language in which the husband answered the survey, and wives' education. Contrary to the common perception of Latinos as as being conflict avoidant, the majority of this sample identified themselves as having a Validating style of conflict resolution. Clinical and research implications for couple and family therapists are discussed.

Key Words:

• Latino couples
• conflict resolution styles
• research study
• couple therapy