Trait emotional intelligence, conflict communication patterns, and relationship satisfaction

We examined trait emotional intelligence (EI), conflict communication patterns, and relationship satisfaction in cohabiting heterosexual couples. Participants were 82 couples (N = 164) who completed the TEIQue – Short Form (Petrides & Furnham, 2006), the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Christensen & Sullaway, 1984), and the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory (Fletcher, Simpson, & Thomas, 2000). The most satisfied couples were those who did not avoid discussion of relationship problems and who rated their partners high in EI. Satisfied couples were more likely than dissatisfied couples to perceive themselves as having levels of EI similar to their partner. We also examined whether actor or partner effects, or a combination of the two, best predicted relationship satisfaction and found that actor variables were the only significant predictors. These results are discussed with reference to the importance of EI and communication patterns in relationship satisfaction.