Thesis (M.A.)--Villanova University, 2010. / Communication Dept. Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis can be discussed under four main titles. First of all, effects of four different self types (separated-patterned, separated-individuated, related-patterned, and related- individuated), originating from differentiative and integrative needs of individuals based on the Balanced Integration and Differentiation model, on perceived decision making quality, dyadic adjustment and marital satisfaction were examined. Secondly, the effects of three types of marriage named as &ldquo / arranged marriage&rdquo / , &ldquo / family- and self-selected marriage&rdquo / and &ldquo / self-selected marriage&rdquo / were investigated regarding perceived decision making quality, dyadic adjustment and marital satisfaction. Thirdly, the interaction effects of aforementioned variables were examined. At last, variables predicting marital quality were analyzed through structural equation modeling technique. Two hundred ninety two married couples with a prerequisite of being married at least for one year participated in the present study with a selection by snowball technique from the cities of Istanbul, Ankara, Mersin, Denizli and Ordu. According to the results, it was concluded that the self types had significant main effects on each variable. Also, it was found that marriage types had significant interaction effects with self-types on dyadic adjustment and marital satisfaction as well / besides it was also revealed from the analyses that marriage type had no main effect on marital satisfaction. Finally, relatedness and individuation were found to be predictor variables of marital quality directly and/or through mediation of perceived decision making quality.