| Relational conflict is frequently found in romantic relationships and can be destructive if distributive communications patterns, such as demand withdraw and mutual hostility, are used. Distributive communication patterns have also been linked to numerous negative health outcomes. Conversely, integrative communication patterns, such as mutual constructive communication, have been linked to positive relational and health outcomes. The purpose of this research was to investigate the mediating roles of hurt and emotional flooding on the relationships between the aforementioned distributive and integrative communication patterns and the negative health outcomes or alcohol use, smoking, hyperarousal, uncontrolled stress, controlled stress, headaches, and viral respiratory symptoms. Significant relationships were supported for 19 out of 56 hypothesized indirect paths. Partner Demand/Self-Withdraw was significantly and positively correlated with alcohol use, hyperarousal, controlled stress, and viral respiratory symptoms through emotional flooding. Self-Demand/Partner Withdraw was significantly and positively correlated to hyperarousal, uncontrolled stress, and headaches through hurt. Mutual hostility was significantly and positively correlated with alcohol use, controlled stress, and viral respiratory symptoms through emotional flooding, and with hyperarousal, uncontrolled stress, and headaches through hurt. Mutual constructive communication was significantly and negatively correlated with alcohol use, hyperarousal, controlled stress, and viral respiratory symptoms though emotional flooding, and with hyperarousal and uncontrolled stress through hurt. |
