Perspective-taking differences between high- and low-adjustment marriages: Implications for those in intervention

Abstract

Perspective-taking is defined as the cognitive ability to understand the point of view of another. Recent studies have demonstrated that perspective-taking is an important component of a satisfying marriage, and therapists have spoken of the need for perspective-taking training. The present study examined perspective-taking differences among a sample of 259 individuals in high- and 43 individuals in low-adjustment marriages. Four hypotheses were tested that demonstrated that females in high- and low-adjustment marriages did not differ in their perspective-taking ability with others in general. However, males and females in high- and low-adjustment groups did differ in their perspective-taking with their spouses (dyadic perspective-taking). Males and females in high-adjustment relationships perceived their spouses to be better at dyadic perspective-taking than individuals in low-adjustment marriages. Implications for family therapists include the need not merely to teach perspective-taking skills but to focus upon characteristics of the relationship and motivational factors that may either increase or decrease perspective-taking with a spouse.