Counseling in Indianapolis, Zionsville, Carmel, IN
A curvilinear relationship has been proposed to exist between these three stages and couple satisfaction (Mitchell, 2016). High couple satisfaction has been found in the preparental years. Then comes a decrease in the parental years with its variety of challenges. There is an increase in the later years.
However, couple discord can certainly disrupt satisfaction at any stage. Fortunately certain factors can inoculate against the destructive effects of discord. Mitcell (2016) reported that research has consistently found that good conflict resolution skills, physical intimacy, supportive social networks, and positive interactions can be protective influences. Older couples, in particular, emphasize the positive and regulate emotions in negative interchanges (Smith & Baron, 2016). Their modulation of conflicts may make a major contribution to their increase in relationship satisfaction.
If you decide that your partnership is lacking in these protective factors and want to consider psychotherapy, you are welcome to contact me .
REFERENCES
Mitchell, B. A. (2016). Happily ever after? Marital satisfaction during the middle adulthood years. In J. Bookwala (Ed.), Couple relationships in the middle and later years: Their nature, complexity, and role in health and illness (pp. 17-36). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1489
Smith, T. W. & Baron, C. E. (2016). Marital discord in the later years. In J. Bookwala (Ed.), Couple relationships in the middle and later years:their nature, complexity, and role in health and illness (pp. 37-56). Washington DC: American Psychological Association. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/148