ABSTRACT
Silent conflict is a non-verbal, non-physical form of conflict interaction. Although there is clinical evidence on its harmful effect for relationships, silent conflict has so far received little attention in research. The aim of the present study was to examine the individual and dyadic links between silent conflict and relationship quality. Participants were 111 married couples aged between 24 and 70 years old with at least one child under the age of 18. Participants filled out the Silent Interparental Conflict Scale (SICS) and the Perceived Relationship Quality Components Inventory (PRQC). Results showed that men reported higher levels of relationship quality than women. There were no differences in silent conflict scores. An SEM model showed that silent conflict and relationship quality were linked to lower levels of relationship quality individually for both men and women, and across partners. Age and number of children were not correlated with the study variables. Findings and their clinical and research implications are discussed in light of family and relationship research frameworks.