Question 1

Research on the relationship between communication skills and marital satisfaction has found that:

Accepted Answer

Good communication skills have been found to be positively related to long-term marital happiness. In fact, research has consistently shown that communication is one of the most important factors in maintaining a happy and satisfying marriage. Couples who have strong communication skills are better able to handle conflicts and challenges, and are more likely to feel understood and valued by their partner. This, in turn, leads to greater relationship satisfaction and longevity.

Question 2

Compared to unhappy couples, successful couples spend more time:

Accepted Answer

Successful couples prioritize open communication about their relationship, discussing their needs and working through conflicts.

Question 3

Men are supposed to be strong and silent. Women are supposed to be expressive and sensitive. These statements demonstrate:

Accepted Answer

The statements demonstrate the influence of society on how we communicate because they reflect the traditional gender roles that society has assigned to men and women.

Question 4

How does the general society influence intimate relationships?

Accepted Answer

Society can put pressure on individuals to conform to certain ideals and expectations when it comes to intimate relationships, such as getting married, having children, and maintaining traditional gender roles. These pressures can create stress and problems within relationships, which are often blamed solely on the individuals involved rather than recognizing the impact of societal influence.

Question 5

Silence is:

Accepted Answer

Silence is a form of communication as it can convey a message or meaning without using words. It can also be used intentionally or unintentionally to express agreement, disagreement, or indifference.

Question 6

What do happily married couples have that unhappily married couples do not?

Accepted Answer

Happily married couples often have more communication styles, which means they can adapt their communication to different situations and understand each other better. This flexibility in communication is crucial for resolving conflicts and maintaining a healthy relationship. Wealth, a conflict-free marriage, and emotional displacement are not exclusive characteristics of happily married couples.

Question 7

Every human relationship is based on:

Accepted Answer

Communication is the foundation of any human relationship, as it allows for understanding, sharing, and resolving issues between individuals. While empathy and commitment are important aspects of a successful relationship, they cannot be fully realized without effective communication. Competition, on the other hand, is not a necessary element in a healthy human relationship.

Question 8

All of the following elements are associated with poor communication EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Richness is actually associated with effective communication, as it refers to the degree of immediacy and personalization in the communication channel. B, C, and D are all associated with poor communication.

Question 9

In an intimate relationship, the traditional male is expected to:

Accepted Answer

Traditional gender roles dictate that men should be less self-disclosing and conceal their emotions, which contradicts the expectation of openly expressing emotions in an intimate relationship. Furthermore, exhibiting nonassertive behavior goes against the traditional idea of male dominance and power, so this is also not an expected behavior. While the female may give advice in a relationship, it is not necessarily expected or limited to one gender.

Question 10

In the past, the "good" wife was a woman who:

Accepted Answer

In the past, the societal expectation for women was to fulfill their roles as wives and mothers, which was considered the main purpose of their existence. Therefore, a "good" wife was one who fulfilled this societal expectation.

Question 11

Today, the major function of the typical American family is to:

Accepted Answer

While the American family may also serve other functions, such as providing economic support and socializing children, its major function in modern times is believed to be meeting emotional needs. This includes providing love, support, companionship, and a sense of belonging for family members.

Question 12

Which of the following is positively associated with higher levels of marital satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is positively associated...

Question 13

A person who ignores his/her own communication inadequacies and changes partners under the assumption that the next one will be the correct choice believes in:

Accepted Answer

This person believes in the myth of the right partner, which is the idea that there is one "perfect" partner out there and if they can just find them, their communication issues will disappear. This is not a realistic or healthy belief, as communication skills are something that can and should be developed and improved upon within any relationship.

Question 14

The primary traits of healthy families are:

Accepted Answer

Communication and listening are essential for healthy families to be able to understand and address each other's needs, conflicts, and emotions. While negotiation and respect and sharing and acceptance are also important traits, they can only be achieved through effective communication and active listening. Passion and spontaneity, on the other hand, are valuable in relationships, but not necessarily primary traits of healthy families.

Question 15

Spouses show a lack of respect and appreciation when they express:

Accepted Answer

Disinterest is a lack of interest or concern, which can be disrespectful and unappreciative.

Question 16

Cox and Demmitt suggest that conflict-free marriages are:

Accepted Answer

Cox and Demmitt suggest that conflict-free marriages are a myth, meaning that they do not believe that any marriage can exist without any conflict.

Question 17

"Richness" means that a couple has:

Accepted Answer

"Richness" implies that there is diversity and abundance in a relationship. Having many ways of communicating with one another adds to the richness of the relationship as it allows for variety and adaptability. However, constructive criticism, a strong extended family, and adjusting to the pressures of married life are all positive aspects of a relationship, they may not necessarily indicate a sense of richness.

Question 18

In the past, communication skills were less important because families were largely developed around:

Accepted Answer

In the past, gender roles were more rigidly defined and individuals were expected to strictly adhere to them. Communication skills were not seen as crucial because everyone knew their place within the family hierarchy and their expected roles and responsibilities.

Question 19

Why does the fair expression of dissatisfaction matter in intimate relationships?

Accepted Answer

Unexpressed dissatisfaction can lead to resentment and hostility in a relationship. Fair expression of dissatisfaction allows partners to communicate their needs and work towards mutual understanding and solutions. It can also prevent the buildup of negative emotions and lead to a healthier relationship overall.

Question 20

The myth of the "right" partner ignores the fact that a couple's problems are caused by:

Accepted Answer

The myth of the "right" partner suggests that if two people are truly meant to be together, they will never encounter problems or conflicts in their relationship. However, research has shown that a couple's problems are often caused by their relational skills, such as communication and conflict resolution. Therefore, the focus should be on developing and improving these skills rather than searching for the "perfect" partner.

Quiz 5: Communication in Intimate Relationships