Date of Award
Summer 8-22-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Organizational Unit
Morgridge College of Education, Counseling Psychology
First Advisor
Jesse Owen
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Conflict communication, DISC couples, Cultural humility, Cultural conflict communication, Relationship satisfaction, Frequency of cultural conflict communication
Abstract
Conflict communication and having a relationship consisting of differing sociocultural backgrounds (DISC Couples) have been viewed as obstacles or at best hindrances of relationship satisfaction in earlier couples’ psychology literature. More recent literature makes an argument that it is not merely conflict communication or the differences of culture within a couple, but rather how couples navigate both conflict and differences that impact relationship satisfaction. The present work aims to investigate the role of cultural humility in the association between cultural conflict communication and relationship satisfaction, as well as its relationship with the frequency of cultural conflict communication among DISC couples. The sample consisted of 125 participants in DISC relationships. Perceived cultural humility emerged as a significant positive predictor for relationship satisfaction and a significant negative predictor of the frequency of cultural conflict communication. Additionally, cultural humility significantly moderated the association between ineffective cultural conflict communication and relationship satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction remained high even at elevated levels of ineffective cultural conflict communication when partners were perceived to have high levels of cultural humility. These findings support further investigation of cultural humility as a factor associated strength and resilience in DISC relationships; more specifically in understanding how cultural conflict communication may contribute to overall relationship quality.
Copyright Date
8-2026
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Lena Blum
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
69 pgs
File Size
449 KB
Recommended Citation
Blum, Lena, "Cultural Humility, A Salve for Romantic Relationship Conflict" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2759.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2759
Included in
Counseling Psychology Commons, Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons