Does couple communication predict later relationship quality and dissolution? A meta‐analysis

Objective To estimate the overall effect between positive and negative communication behaviors and later relationship quality and dissolution. Background Behavioral models of relationship development argue that the quality of couples' communication is key to understanding later relational outcomes. However, longitudinal studies have yielded inconsistent associations between communication behaviors and subsequent relationship functioning, leaving questions about the robustness of these effects. Method To explore these potential associations, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 64 dyadic studies and 1784 parameter estimates to generate a weighted average effect of positive and negative communication behaviors predicting later relationship quality and dissolution. We conducted multiple‐regression moderation analyses to identify key study‐level moderators. Results Positive (rwithin‐partner = .15, p