The predictors of conflict resolution responses and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships: Schema coping modes and prefrontal functions

The aim of the current study is to examine the relationships between age, gender, schema coping modes, prefrontal functions, and conflict resolution responses and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships. Also, it is aimed to examine the variables of age, gender, schema coping modes and prefrontal functions that predict conflict resolution responses and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships. The study's sample consists of 346 participants between 25-40 years who have an ongoing romantic relationship. The data was collected with through Demographic Information Form, Schema Mode Inventory - Subscales of Schema Coping Modes, Dissatisfaction in Close Relationships - Accomodation Instrument, Relationship Stability Scale – Relationship Satisfaction Subscale and Interpersonal Neurobiology Based Prefrontal Functions Scale. The results of statistical analyzes showed that the exit response was found to have positive relationships with compliant surrender mode, detached protector mode, angry protector mode and all of the overcompensatory coping modes. Also, there were negative relationships between exit response and all prefrontal functions except the management of bodily functions. Modes that self-aggrandizer, conning and manipulative, detached protector and angry protector, management of bodily functions, empathy and response flexibility and female gender predicted the exit response by 39.8%. While the voice response was positively correlated with prefrontal functions, it was negatively correlated with modes that detached protector, self-aggrandizer, bully and attack, conning and manipulative, and predator. Empathy and response flexibility, conscience, male gender, criminal self-aggrandizer mode, detached protector mode and bully and attack mode predicted the voice response by 20.6%. There were positive relationships between the loyalty response and compliant surrender mode and detached protector mode. The older group in sample, male gender, the compliant surrender mode and detached self-soothing mode predicted the loyalty response by 19.2%. While neglect response was positively related to all schema coping modes, it was negatively related to the prefrontal functions called management of bodily functions, fear management and intuitions, and empathy and response flexibility. The older sample, empathy and response flexibility, conscience and female gender predicted the neglect response by 16.7%. The results showed that there was a negative relationship between relationship satisfaction and detached protector mode. Also, relationship satisfaction was positively correlated with fear management and intuitions, empathy and response flexibility, insight and conscience. The younger group in sample, male gender, compliant surrender mode, detached protector mode, empathy and response flexibility predicted relationship satisfaction by 10.3%. Findings of the current study were discussed in the context of the relevant literature findings.