Abstract
This research examined coping processes used in unresolved and recurring marital conflicts. It focused on the process of making sense of conflict. Recently married women (N=30) participated in a longitudinal e-mail survey and interview about their experiences with marital conflict. Descriptions and narratives were classified according to women's reported needs for problem resolution, as either "no need to solve," "need to solve if possible," and "need to solve." Qualitative analysis showed that each classification group had a characteristic pattern of meaning-making. The patterns were related to reinterpretations of the conflict events, and to women's increased feelings of reliability and familiarity regarding their spouses. The results showed that it is important to consider the process of meaning-making of conflict events, in the study of long-term marital relationships.
