Table 3.1.

General Family Behaviors and Communication Techniques Examined in Included Studies

Family Behavior Theme	Other Studied Behaviors Included in Theme*	Explanation of Family Behavior Theme**
Positive Effects Expected
Good Marital/Family Function	Marital Satisfaction Marital Adjustment Marital Quality Positive-Negative  Interaction Ratio Family Function	General composite of satisfaction including: happiness with relationship handling practical issues emotional and physical intimacy communication accommodation respect support
Family Cohesion	Marital Cohesion Marital Intimacy Family Cohesion-amount Family Cohesion-balance	common interests sharing ideas sharing emotional experiences closeness commitment
Family Expression	Couple Expressiveness	demonstrating affection expressing emotional state
Family Autonomy Encouragement	Family World View	encourage reliance on self believe world is comprehensible and manageable
Negative Effects Expected
Negative Interactions	Negative Spouse Behavior Negative Dyadic Adjustment	General composite of negative interactions including: frequent conflicts excessive demands critical interactions lack of common interests
Family Criticism	Spouse Criticism Family Conflict	expressing disapproval, resentment, irritation, impatience
Mixed Effects Expected
Family Achievement Orientation		casting activities into an achievement-oriented or competitive framework
Family Activity		participating in social and recreational activities
Family Control		setting rules and procedures to run family life
Family Structure/Organization	Family Organization	emphasizing orderliness, structure, and similarity to one another
Family Sex-Role Traditionalism		supporting traditional sex roles, such as women working inside the home

^*Names for family behaviors used by included studies

^**Adapted from psychometric instruments used to measure the family behavior theme