Testing Stress and Dyadic Coping Processes in Chinese Couples

Abstract

Previous empirical studies show that stress occurring outside of the relationship (referred to as external stress) can spill over into couples’ relationships, influencing dyads’ behaviors and their relationship satisfaction. There is substantial evidence that the association between external stress and relationship satisfaction is explained by 2 mediators: internal stress and dyadic coping. However, the mediation processes of internal stress and dyadic coping have solely been examined in Western couples. Accordingly, the current study aimed to test these processes in a sample of 474 Chinese couples (N = 948) using the actor–partner interdependence mediation model. Results reveal that internal stress and dyadic coping can fully mediate the association between external stress and relationship satisfaction in Chinese couples for men and women in a similar way. These findings underscore the importance of moving beyond examining stress and dyadic coping processes among couples in Eastern cultures.