Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

they do get angry, they will hide that emotion from their spouse to avoid the conflict.
Assertiveness
The final relational dimension is assertiveness. When analyzing the items on the Relational Dimensions
Instrument, Fitzpatrick noticed that two different patterns emerged. First, she saw a pattern of the use
of persuasion or influence to get a partner to do specific things (e.g., watch a TV show, read a book/
magazine). At the same time, there is a sense of independence and the desire to stand up for oneself even
front of friends. Ultimately, Fitzpatrick believed that “assertiveness” was the best term to capture both of
these phenomena. 66
After creating the relational dimensions, Fitzpatrick then further broke this down into a marriage typology
that included three specific marriage types: traditional, independents, and separates. 67 Figure 11.11
Conventional Ideology
Unconventional Ideology
High Conflict Low Conflict High Conflict Low Conflict
Interdependence
High
Low
Traditionals
Separates
Independents
Figure 11.11.
Relational Definitions
illustrates how the three relational definitions were ultimately arrived at.
Traditionals
The first relational definition that Fitzpatrick arrived at was called traditionals. are highly
interdependent, have a conventional ideology, and high levels of conflict engagement. First, traditional
lives are highly intertwined in both the use of space and time, so they are not likely to feel the need for
autonomous space at home or an overabundance of “me time.” Instead, these couples like to be with
each other and have a high degree of both sharing and companionship. These couples are more likely to
have clear routines that they are happy with. These couples are traditionals also because they do have a
conventional ideology. As such, they believe that a woman should take her husband’s name, keep family
plans when made, children should be brought up knowing their cultural heritage, and infidelity is never
excusable. Lastly, traditionals report openly engaging in conflict, but they do not consider themselves
Interpersonal Communication 394