Self-determination and conflict in romantic relationships.

@article{Knee2005SelfdeterminationAC,
  title={Self-determination and conflict in romantic relationships.},
  author={Christopher Knee and Cynthia Lonsbary and Amy Canevello and Heather Patrick},
  journal={Journal of personality and social psychology},
  year={2005},
  volume={89 6},
  pages={
          997-1009
        }
}
Four studies examined associations between E. L. Deci and R. M. Ryan's (1985, 2000) construct of autonomy, responses to relationship disagreements, and dissatisfaction after conflict. In Study 1, diary data showed that trait autonomy predicted relationship autonomy, which in turn predicted relative satisfaction after disagreements. In Study 2, trait autonomy predicted relationship autonomy, which was associated with less defensive and more understanding responses to conflict. Studies 3 and 4… 
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