Mental contrasting and problem-solving in romantic relationships: A dyadic behavioral observation study

We investigated how mental contrasting, a self-regulation strategy, affects relationship problem-solving in 105 mixed-gender couples. Couples were assigned to a mental contrasting (juxtaposing the desired future with the main inner obstacle) or indulging (imagining only the desired future) condition. We reassessed problem resolution 2 weeks later. Actor-partner interdependence model analyses revealed that mental contrasting improved problem resolution over this period for problems perceived as important to resolve. Right after the intervention, we also recorded couples’ problem-solving behavior during a Zoom discussion among the partners. Men in the mental contrasting (vs. indulging) condition showed more self-disclosure, especially of feelings, attitudes, and behaviors. Women in the mental contrasting condition were more selective when suggesting solutions. Mental contrasting appears to foster problem-solving by enabling men to engage in self-disclosure, making women selective about solution suggestions, and enabling both women and men to effectively implement solutions, especially for high-importance problems.