The present review on dyadic coping (DC) aims at providing a critical integration
of both the conceptual and empirical DC literature and overcoming the limitations
of past reviews by (a) describing, comparing, and integrating all the DC models, (b)
presenting and integrating findings from studies based on DC models, and (c) suggesting
directions for further research. The DC models identified and compared include: The
congruence model (Revenson, 1994), the relationship-focused model (Coyne and Smith,
1991; O'Brien and DeLongis, 1996), the communal coping model (Lyons et al., 1998),
the systemic-transactional model (Bodenmann, 1995, 1997), the relational-cultural
model (Kayser et al., 2007), and the developmental-contextual coping model (Berg and
Upchurch, 2007). After discussing each DC model, we advance a conceptual integration
of all models, which serves as the framework to organize the review of the empirical
literature. This integration includes the following DC dimensions: (a) Stress Communication,
(b) Positive DC by One Partner (supportive DC, empathic responding, delegated DC,
active engagement), (c) Positive Conjoint DC (common, collaborative, communal, mutual
responsiveness); (d) Negative DC by One Partner (protective buffering, overprotection,
and hostility/ambivalence), and (e) Negative Conjoint DC (common negative DC, disengaged
avoidance). Developmental, relational, and contextual variables are included as factors
shaping DC. To be included in the empirical review, articles had to be published in
or a peer-reviewed journal in English and/or German before 2017 and include an original
empirical study guided by one of the DC models. The review included 139 studies and,
with the exception of the congruence model whose findings were discussed separately,
findings were presented for overall DC and each of the dimensions identified in the
conceptual integration. Findings were grouped also according to whether the stressor
related or not to a medical or mental health condition. Demographic and cultural factors
affecting DC were discussed. Overall, the empirical review suggests that in Western
couples, positive individual, and conjoint DC forms, taken together or separately,
have individual and relational benefits for couples coping with stress in general
and/or mental health or medical stressors. Research on DC can be expanded to include
other populations and stressors and use improved designs.