Abstract
The literature on interpersonal conflict management is already extensive
and theories have been forwarded since the 1960s. However, these
theories were created with proximal couples in mind. They do not address
the situation of partners in long-distance relationships (LDRs). Thus, a
grounded theory study was done among 10 Filipinos in LDRs. They were
individually interviewed for about an hour per session and the
interviews were transcribed. The transcriptions were then subjected to
open coding, which yielded 18 open codes. During the selective coding,
these were pared down to five categories. Their relationships were
identified during the theoretical coding, which resulted in a grounded
theory on conflict management in LDRs. This theory posits that the
reason for the LDR; long-term relationship plans; communication
practices; and the values, behaviors, and other attributes of the couple
all shape long-distance conflicts. The computer-mediated communication
technologies used by the long-distance couples were factors in
relational maintenance.