Bennett, Sera Luisa, authorMatheson, Jennifer L., advisorZimmerman, Toni Schindler, committee memberBanning, James H., committee member2007-01-032007-01-032011http://hdl.handle.net/10217/46278The Daytime Emmy Award Best Drama Series nominees and Nielsen top rated daytime dramas from 2005-2006, which include As the World Turns, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, Guiding Light, One Life to Live, and The Young and the Restless were chosen to be observed and analyzed couple interactions portrayed on television. The sample was made of 35 episodes, 37 couples from the episodes with 72 unique individuals. This study utilized the findings of Gottman (1994) as a coding scheme. The conversations of the couples portrayed in the daytime dramas were coded using the following categories: The Four Horsemen, Facilitative Behaviors, Bids for Attention and Engagement, Emotional Engagement, Coercion/Demands and Response to Conflict (Gottman). The frequencies of the behavioral categories were tallied and examples of the behaviors were detailed. Demographic information was collected on the couples to determine if there were significant differences in Gottman Interactions based on age, gender, ethnicity, social class, occupation, time in relationship and relationship status. Demographic findings showed that the majority of the couples portrayed on daytime dramas are young, Caucasian, heterosexual, upper class, in committed relationships, and in the early stages of these relationships. Gottman interaction findings showed that behaviors among couples were mixed and did not show a consistent pattern for all positive or all negative behaviors. Occupation, age, and relationship status appeared to be significant in negative interactions such as turning away from partner's bid attempts, pressures for change, and interrupting behaviors. This study may be useful for therapists to apply in a clinical setting in order to train others on Gottman's Interaction coding schemes.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.daytime dramasmedia studiessoap operasText