Structured positive interactions and reflective practices in marital satisfaction
Importance of Positive Interactions in Relationships
Research consistently highlights the impact of positive interactions within relationship not only as the foundation of healthy relationship but as a fundamental element in maintaining and enhancing the level of satisfaction and stability of long-term relationship. Cazzell et al. (2022) in their study have demonstrated that the impact of having positive exchanges for couples has been shown to significantly buffer the negative effects of conflict; thus, increasing the overall marital satisfaction leading to a healthier relationship. Similarly, Vasquez et al. (2024) found that maintaining purposeful positive interactions within couples is positively correlate with higher relationship satisfaction. Likewise, Denes et al. (2020) revealed the true impact of having purposeful and effective communication as a mean for emotional transparency necessary for enhancing intimacy and building emotional fulfillment.
Reflective Practices and Self-Awareness
critical elements for promoting healthier and more satisfying relationships have been increasingly recognized in couples’ ability to exercise reflective practices combined with increased self-awareness. Falon et al. (2021) in their study have explored and further supported the impact and the effectiveness of utilizing structured self-reflection interventions for enhancing resilience while also reducing negative psychological symptoms. Grossmann et al. (2021) highlighted self-reflection and its importance in wisdom training that suggest ways that facilitating reflective practices can produce emotional maturity though deepening relational connections for couples. Moreover, Körner et al. (2024) established a strong link in romantic relationships between self-compassion—an outcome of reflective practices—and couples overall functioning while enhancing satisfaction.
Empirical Foundations of Marital Satisfaction
Numerous studies explored various factors that influence marital satisfaction and how such factors play a role in understanding foundational element in marital satisfaction. Bühler et al. (2021) in their systematic review highlighted the significant role of continuous positive relational behaviors while examining the level of relationship satisfaction evolving throughout the lifespan. Sayehmiri et al. (2020) further suggested that inherent individual characteristics significantly influence relationship dynamics by identifying personality traits as strong indicators of marital success. Additionally, Johnson et al. (2005) demonstrated the importance of effective problem-solving abilities for couples being identified as predictors of having a higher level of marital satisfaction. Moreover, emotional intelligence consistently has been emerging as crucial predictor in having and maintain satisfaction within relationship (Jardine et al., 2022).
Problem Statement
The critical role of positive interactions and effective communication in fostering marital satisfaction and stability has been continuously validated by research. Studies by Chen-Bouck et al. (2024), Walsh et al. (2020), and Emmers-Sommer (2004) has been able to clearly highlight the importance, and the benefits of intentional positive exchanges seen as key factors associated with higher relationship quality and intimacy for couples. Additionally, these studies have been linked to identify emotional transparency as a significant predictor for relationship success. Research by Gander et al. (2025), Grossmann et al. (2021), and Körner et al. (2024) further illustrated reflective self-awareness practices to enhance resilience, emotional maturity, and relational satisfaction among couples.
Current literature predominantly focuses either on structured positive interactions as a buffer against relational conflicts or on reflective practices that is aimed at enhancing individual psychological well-being. However, there is a lack of empirical research exploring how these two aspects might synergistically interact to foster a deeper marital intimacy, personal growth, and long-term relationship satisfaction.
Failure to integrate reflective practices with positive interactions in couples therapy from a practical and therapeutic standpoint may represent a missed opportunity to enhance intimacy levels, potentially limiting relational fulfillment and individual growth. Therefore, this study aims to address this critical gap by developing and empirically evaluating "Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT)," a structured, self-paced intervention specifically created for couples. SRRT integrates both positive relational interactions and reflective self-awareness practices designed to improve and develop relationships.
