How to Model Dual Processes within Couple Dyads. Theoretical Implications and Empirical Applications

Several studies in family sociology suggest using dual-process theories, i.e., the model of frame selection (Esser/Kroneberg 2020), to explain important partnership outcomes, i.e., fertility (Arránz Becker/Lois 2017) or separation and divorce (Esser 2002a, 2002b). In most of these cases, the concept of sociological explanation (Esser 1993) is used as a framework for deriving empirically testable hypotheses. A closer look, however, reveals that these approaches take only limited account of the dyadic nature of the underlying research question. For example, Esser's (2002a, 2002b) classic studies on divorce conceptualize couples' decisions to separate as the result of a joint reframing of their (unsuccessful) marriage in light of a mismatch between individual demands. Sometimes, as in the case of Esser's studies, data limitations do not allow for a more rigorous modeling of dyadic processes, such as social exchange or couples' bargaining over relationship decisions. In other cases, research questions may be unspecific as to whether the object of study is the couple as an entity (between-dyad perspective) or the couple as a dyadic complement of two autonomous but interdependent acting individuals (within-dyad perspective). However, with the increasing availability of dyadic data, e.g., GSOEP, FReDA, LISS , HILDA, sophisticate considerations of dual processes within couple dyads are becoming feasible.

This paper extends current dual process approaches in family sociology by implementing theories of social relations and interdependence (Back/Kenny 2010, Lange/Balliet 2015) and accompanying methodological approaches, i.e., actor-partner-interdependence modeling (Kenny et al. 2006), into the model of frame selection. This allows for sociological explanations of effects of couples’ actor-partner interdependence on relationship outcomes. Conceptual and theoretical considerations will be empirically illustrated by ongoing research on the dyadic effects of job insecurity on relationship decisions, i.e. fertility, among couples in Germany.