Dyadic coping refers to how two closely connected people (a dyad) interact and mutually support each other when dealing with a stressful situation that impacts them both. It is a dynamic, transactional process that involves coping behaviors, thought processes, communication styles, and other mechanisms that unfold within a dyadic framework.
One partner takes over responsibilities from the stressed partner to ease their load.For example, if one partner is stressed from overwork, the other may take on more household and childcare duties proactively.Differs from supportive coping because the support is offered preemptively rather than just as a reaction to the partner’s stress communication.
A woman sat on a sofa comforting a sad young girl with hands covering her face
In the context of this study looking at parent-child units after spousal/parental loss, dyadic coping captures how the bereaved parent and children interact, communicate, and support one another in grieving and adjusting to their loss over time as an interconnected dyad.
Key Points
Rationale
Most bereavement coping theories adopt an individual perspective, while the family mutual interaction perspective is understudied (Jiao et al., 2021).
Although a few studies reveal the importance of family interactions like communication and relationships, dyadic coping, reflecting interdependent coping processes between a dyad facing shared stressors, remains unexplored in parent-child relationships coping with bereavement (Jiao et al., 2021).
The researchers highlighted that no prior theories or models existed to explain or represent bereavement dyadic coping within parent-child dyads. Thus this was an initial and novel conceptual model developed through the analysis to address this gap. It has significant potential to inform future research and clinical work with bereaved families.
Method
Sample
Results
Four main themes were identified: dyadic coping-related cognitions, loss-oriented dyadic coping, restoration-oriented dyadic coping, and contextual factors.
Conceptualization model of bereavement dyadic coping
Through multiple stages of data analysis and theme integration, they synthesized the findings to create a model that captures bereavement dyadic coping within widowed families.
Insight
Strengths
Limitations
Implications
References
Jiao, K., Chow, A. Y. M., & Chen, C. (2021). Dyadic relationships between a surviving parent and children in widowed families: A systematic scoping review.Family Process, 60(3), 888–903.https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12610
Keep Learning
Here are some suggested Socratic discussion questions for a college class reading this paper:
Further Reading
Bodenmann, G. (2005).Dyadic coping and its significance for marital functioning.
Falconier, M. K., & Kuhn, R. (2019). Dyadic coping in couples: A conceptual integration and a review of the empirical literature.Frontiers in Psychology,10, 571.
Falconier, M. K., Jackson, J. B., Hilpert, P., & Bodenmann, G. (2015).Dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction: A meta-analysis.Clinical Psychology Review,42, 28-46.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
