An Examination of the Broaden-and-Build Model of Positive Emotions in Military Marriages: An Actor-Partner Analysis

Despite the stresses military life may cause for families, many military couples are very resilient. Using the broaden-and-build model of emotions, this study examined whether positive emotions, rather than negative, allow for broader cognitive processes (e.g., increased insight or meaning-making) among resilient Service members and their spouses with low marital distress. Results suggest positive emotions, particularly those of Service members, are important for fostering resilience in military couples.