Discuss paradigms to assess marital behavior. What are some distal and temporal variables

that might influence such  behavior?

What will be an ideal response?

Because of possible reporting biases, there have been validity concerns recently raised
about self reports of marital behavior. Thus, increasingly, researchers have examined
marital behavior at the observational level in key contexts. For example, in one
paradigm, researchers measure the ability of partners to give and receive social support
as one partner describes a personal problem. Alternatively, in conflict management
paradigms, researchers assess problem-solving abilities, conflict resolution, or the
emotional treatment of partners as key indicators of marital health. In terms of variables
that influence marital behavior, it has been shown that the marital functioning of our
own parents might be a more distal predictor. However, our present relationship
cognitions, occupational satisfaction, and  mental health, among other things, could be
considered more temporal predictors of such behavior.