Attributions for Spousal Behavior in Relation to Criticism and Perceived Criticism

This study examined relations between spousal attributions and criticism in a sample of 118 married couples. Spouses rated general perceived criticism (PC) and their own expressed criticism as well as interaction-specific PC from a videotaped discussion. Independent judges also coded criticism from the discussion. Spouses’ self-reported causal and responsibility attributions for hypothetical spousal negative behavior were related to all types of criticism. Attributions were also associated with unique variance in spouses’ reports of general PC and criticism, even after controlling either for judges’ or partners’ ratings of criticism and marital adjustment. General PC and expressed criticism appear to reflect more than either the amount of criticism present or feelings about the marriage; rather, general PC and expressed criticism are uniquely associated with the cause and responsibility ascribed to partners’ behavior.

► We assessed relations between private spousal attributions and types of criticism.
► Attributions uniquely related to self-reported criticism and perceived criticism.
► Relations existed after accounting for actual criticism and marital adjustment.
► Criticism and perceived criticism reflect attributions for spousal behavior.