Project Overview

Abstract:

This project is an independent research study aiming to determine if positive psychology’s “peak-end theory” can be applied to interpersonal relationships such as marriage. The peak-end theory states that human memory and perception do not result from a culmination every moment of an experience averaged over time. People evaluate an experience based on how they felt at the peak and end of an experience. Conflict is present in almost every marital relationship and can have negative effects on all types of health. This study gives support to the idea that if couples manipulate the peak and end of their marital conflicts, they can improve their perceptions of the conflict, thus increasing marital satisfaction and relational health. The research produced some significant results, thus the possibility of using the peak-end theory to improve marital relationships, as a clinical intervention, may be a reality.

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