The current study tested the generalizability of affective processes, which were proposed by Gottman et al. (1998), to predict relationship status and satisfaction. In addition, affective processes were compared for discussions of issues raised by men versus women. Models were tested for a community-based sample of 85 married or cohabiting couples with at-risk backgrounds and predicted from affective processes at about age 21 years to outcomes approximately 2 – 1/2 years later. Contrary to the findings of Gottman et al., men’s rejection of their partner’s influence, the lack of men’s de-escalation of partner’s negative affect, and women’s negative start up were not predictive of relationship status. Differences in affective processes were found for men’s versus women’s topics.