Styles of conflict in intimate relationships of patients with panic disorder agoraphobia: A pilot study with the styles of conflict inventory (SCI)

The following paper presents data of a pilot study concerning styles of conflict in patients and their partners. Patients fulfilled DSM-IPI-R criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia. Results reveal higher scores of both frequency and intensity of conflicts before onset of the panic disorder compared to a control group, as well as higher scores in global and verbal aggression towards their partners. Onset was followed by a nonsignificant decrease of both frequency and intensity of conflict and by a significant decrease of aggressive behaviour. The partners were seen less assertive and less withdrawing after onset of panic. Correlations between the quality of relationship and styles of conflict showed a notably higher level of attribution to the partner's styles of conflict after onset than before. Finally, results are discussed emphasizing the correlation and co-occurrence of aggression, conflict and anxiety.