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Original Article

Better Battles by a Self-Compassionate Partner?

The Mediating Role of Personal Conflict Resolution Styles in the Association Between Self-Compassion and Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships

Published Online:October 12, 2020https://doi.org/10.1027/1614-0001/a000333

Abstract

Abstract. Self-compassion entails being kind towards oneself when encountering uncontrollable life events, inadequacies, or failure. When in conflict with a romantic partner, we expected self-compassion to be associated positively with functional (positive problem solving) and negatively with dysfunctional styles (conflict engagement, withdrawal, compliance). Adult individuals (n = 163) involved in a serious romantic relationship for at least 2 years responded to a questionnaire that assessed self-compassion, personality factors, conflict resolution styles, and relationship satisfaction. High self-compassionate partners reported more functional and less dysfunctional styles when statistically controlling for demographics, neuroticism, and agreeableness. Conflict resolution styles fully mediated the significant path between self-compassion and relationship satisfaction.

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