Using Relational Stories to Predict the Trajectory Toward Marital Dissolution: The Oral History Interview and Spousal Feelings of Flooding, Loneliness, and Depression

Abstract

This study examines the ability of relational history narratives collected through the Oral History Interview (OHI) to predict the trajectory of feeling flooded by a spouse's negative emotions, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and marital satisfaction across a three-year period, as the trajectory patterns of these marital factors are associated with divorce. Participants scoring highest on marital bond (a score ascertained from marital storytelling behaviors and representing positive perceptions of one's spouse and relationship) reported the highest levels of satisfaction and lowest levels of loneliness, flooding, and depression over time. There were significant differences between men and women on flooding, but for each of the other outcome variables, the couples with the lowest marital bond scores exhibited different gender patterns than the couples with higher marital bond scores. The identification of these precursors to divorce suggests therapeutic applications for relational history narratives. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.