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Self- and Partner-Perceptions of Interpersonal Problems and Relationship Functioning

csaffrey{at}alumni.sfu.ca

Kim Bartholomew

Simon Fraser University

Elaine Scharfe

Trent University

Antonia J.Z. Henderson

B.C. Transplant Society

Ray Koopman

Simon Fraser University

This study investigated whether self- and partner-perceptions of interpersonal problems predicted relationship functioning. Partners’ understanding of one another’s interpersonal problems, projection of their own problems onto their partners, and positive perceptions of their partners’ problems were assessed. Individuals from 76 couples completed selfreport measures of their own interpersonal problems and of their perceptions of their partners’ interpersonal problems. Relationship functioning was assessed by self-reported satisfaction and by expert ratings of relationship quality. Partner-perceptions more strongly and consistently predicted relationship functioning than did self-perceptions. There was evidence of understanding of interpersonal problems, but degree of understanding did not predict relationship satisfaction or quality. Similarly, there was evidence of projection of level of interpersonal problems, but degree of projection did not predict relationship functioning. In contrast, positive perceptions of interpersonal problems were associated with positive relationship functioning.

Key Words: couples • interpersonal problems • partnerperceptions • relationship satisfaction

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