Relationship cognitions and marital quality: An evaluation of the roles of relationship attributions, partner schemas, and relationship schemas

Although relationship cognitions have been identified as reliable correlates of marital quality, studies have primarily evaluated specific cognitions (e.g., attributions), with less focus on relational schemas and methods other than self-report for measuring cognitions. The current study addressed these deficits in the literature by examining (a) associations between relationship cognitions (i.e., attributions, partner schemas, and relationship schemas) and concurrent and prospective marital quality, (b) associations between self-report and information-processing measures of relationship cognitions, and (c) associations between relationship cognitions and marital quality controlling for the potential confound of depression. A sample of 70 couples completed self-report and information-processing measures of relationship cognitions, as well as measures of relationship quality and depressive symptomatology. Participants also completed a measure of relationship quality at 6-month follow-up. Results indicated that relationship attributions and partner schemas were associated with one another and with marital quality, and that the association between partner schemas and marital quality was mediated by relationship attributions. Additionally, evidence for the convergence between self-report and information-processing measures of relationship cognition was demonstrated. Finally, associations between relationship cognition and marital quality remained significant when controlling for depressive symptomatology.