Abstract This study examined the differences between the verbal interaction styles of two marital combinations consisting of first–and second-born marital dyads and second– and third-born marital dyads. Explanations for sibling position differences in marital interaction were drawn from the Systems Approach to Sibling Positions. The content, style, and tone of the verbal interactions between the spouses in a couple interaction task were analyzed according to the Hill Interaction Matrix (HIM) and the Cognitive Affective Rating Scale (CARS). Significant differences were observed between these two sets of marital combinations. First– and second-born couples approached issue resolution with more direct openness than second– and third-born couples who preferred a more emotionally safe and tentative interaction style. Initial support is given to the hypothesis that the characteristic response patterns of different sibling positions influence marital interaction styles.