Using Relational Stories to Predict Future Marital Outcomes: The Oral History Interview as a Research Tool for Family Communication Scholars

• In Event: Understanding Marital Relationships in Context

Abstract

This study presents the Oral History Interview (OHI) and coding system as a research tool for family communication researchers and further tests the predictive ability of the OHI. The power of the OHI in predicting marital satisfaction, loneliness, feeling flooded by negative emotions, and depression across a 5 year longitudinal study is then examined. Participants scoring highest on marital bond reported the highest levels of satisfaction and lowest levels of loneliness, flooding, and depression.

Authors

• Eve-Anne Doohan, Univ of San Francisco

• Sybil Carrere, California State University, San Bernardino