The present study examined the effect of family of origin characteristics on current marital satisfaction, within a sample of newlywed couples, using dyadic and mixed methods approaches to conceptualization, data collection, and data analysis.The data used to investigate this process--sometimes called intergenerational transmission--was collected in two phases. First, quantitative data in the form of close-ended questions was collected separately from each member of 190 newlywed couples via hard-copy questionnaires. These questionnaires included measures of family of origin characteristics (e.g., interparental conflict), current marital processes (e.g., conflict resolution style), and marital outcomes (e.g., marital satisfaction). Second, in-depth and open-ended questions were asked of 18 couples in semi-structured couple interviews. The 18 couples who were interviewed in phase two of the data collection represent a purposive sub-sample of the original 190 couples from phase one of data collection.Results of structural equation modeling of a conceptual model based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Cook & Kenny, 2005) indicated that the family or origin characteristics measured predicted a decrease in marital satisfaction, especially for wives. In addition, mixed evidence was found for the potential meditational role of conflict resolution style. Results of thematic coding of the interview data revealed that: a) families of origin serve as marriage role models in complex and multifaceted ways; b) there are other important models of marriage, aside from families of origin, that influence marital outcomes; c) it is likely that couples use a combination of different marriage role models to form their ideas of marriage (and therefore their marital outcomes); and d) it is possible that in some cases families of origin do not provide a marriage role model at all.Finally, results of a configural comparative analysis utilizing both the quantitative and qualitative data revealed that couples negotiate the pathway from their families of origin to their own marriages in diverse ways. Three distinct pathways were identified, including a "modeling" pathway, a "modified modeling" pathway, and a "compensation" pathway. Interpretations and implications of these findings are discussed. In addition, future directions for research in this area are suggested.

Many women reporting PMS symptoms state their symptoms affect their mood, social, and family functioning. This study attempted to provide clinicians with information to assist in psychotherapeutic intervention, by determining the effect PMS has on marital satisfaction. Nineteen female subjects reporting PMS symptoms and their partners completed the study. The Marital Satisfaction Inventory - Revised (MSI-R) and the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire-Form T (MDQ-form T) were used to determine if the nineteen couples reported marital distress as a result of the women's cyclical premenstrual symptoms. The results of the study suggested that the women and their partners, report high levels of marital distress that is not reflective of the cyclical nature of the PMS symptomatology. Scores on the MSI-R for the subjects and their partners indicated the couples perceived level of distress in the t-50 to t-70 range on scales 3-8 is consistent throughout the menstrual cycle. The couples reported higher levels of marital distress than would be the expected norm, suggesting that PMS may be a contributing factor to the level of distress they reported experiencing. This study did not include a control group, which would have provided a norm for couples who do not report PMS by which to compare the MSI-R scores.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the factor structure of the Spouse Observation Checklist-Revised using attachment theory as an organizational framework. The study used archival data from a community sample of 92 heterosexual childless couples married 1-5 years and 4 lesbian couples (N = 192). Separate exploratory factor analysis on the Perception of Self-Behavior and Perception of Partner-Behavior items revealed symmetrical 4-factor structures with factors reflecting emotional support, physical intimacy, instrumental support, and disengagement. Separate analyses examined associations of the four identified factors with the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale to begin to place the SOC-R within a nomological network.

0 Abstrakt The diploma thesis deals with closeness of relationship and marital satisfaction among people suffering from obesity. The main research question is if the level of marital satisfaction depends on BMI (Body Mass Index). These issues are first discussed on theoretical level. Then we used the Locke - Wallace, RCI and SF - 36 questioneries in the research part. The results shows that there is no direct connection between BMI and marital satisfaction but we found some other factors that influence the marital satisfaction. Keywords: marriage, obesity, marital satisfaction

The correlation between locus of control and marital satisfaction is examined as part of a longitudinal study spanning 44 years and 3 time points. It is predicted that as locus of control has more of an external orientation marital satisfaction will be lower. Participants include high school juniors and seniors in the state of Washington from 1966 with follow-up surveys in 1980 and 2010. Using ordinary least squares regressions, marital satisfaction scores in 1980 or 2010 are predicted by locus of control scores from either 1966 or 1980 with control variables that include gender, income, educational attainment, occupational prestige, and military service. Partial support for the presented hypotheses is found and discussed. Locus of control as measured in middle adulthood predicted marital satisfaction measured contemporaneously. However, in contrast to previous reports, none of the control variables significantly predicted marital satisfaction. A primary limitation that is discussed regards the measurement of locus of control occurring in a manner without any established psychometric data to confirm reliability or validity. Understanding the relationship between locus of control and marital satisfaction may help improve case conceptualization and treatment for couples seeking treatment. Considerations for future research are explored.

This study examined issues of measurement equivalence in a cross-national study using the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R). Overall findings supported cross-cultural similarities across the Spain, Germany, Korea, and the U.S. standardization samples. The Spanish, German, and Korean translations of the MSI-R demonstrated moderate to strong internal consistency, inter-scale correlations, and discriminative validity overall. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed configural and metric invariance across the original measure and the German, Spanish, and Korean translations. Mean profile comparisons between the current German, Spanish, and Korean samples and the original standardization sample revealed significant differences on several scales. Test characteristic similarities between the U.S. and the Spanish, German, and Korean clinical samples suggest the clinical utility of the MSI-R for identifying couples for secondary prevention or intervention protocols, and treatment planning in Spain, Germany, and Korea. Implications for cross-national clinical and research applications of the MSI-R are discussed.

With dual-career couples comprising the most common family type, it is important for mental health professionals, employers, and policy makers to understand the unique challenges of this population (Haddock et al., 2001; Saginak & Saginak, 2005.) Numerous researchers have studied the consequences of family and work role strain for dual-career couples. However, when dual-career couples are able to share responsibilities and negotiate degendered roles they experience the benefits of dual-career couples. The literature clearly supports the importance of egalitarian roles for marital satisfaction and life satisfaction of dual-career couples. While researchers have studied social role strain, gender role strain, marital satisfaction, and life satisfaction and discussed the importance of degendered roles and responsibilities for dual-career couples, no studies have examined gender ideology. Saginak and Saginak (2005) called for researchers to investigate how gender ideologies and the gender socialization process perpetuate the challenges faced by dual-career couples in balancing work and family. This study investigated the associations between gender ideology and gender role strain, job-family role strain, marital satisfaction, and life satisfaction among 70 individual members of dual-career couples. A multivariate analysis of variance was utilized to investigate the relationship between gender ideology and the criterion measures. Gender ideology was partially associated with gender role strain with the androgynous gender ideology group scoring significantly lower on gender role strain than the masculine or undifferentiated gender ideology groups but not significantly lower than the feminine gender ideology group. Gender ideology was not associated with job-family role strain or marital satisfaction. In addition, gender ideology was also partially associated with life satisfaction with the androgynous gender ideology group scoring significantly higher on quality of life than the masculine or undifferentiated gender ideology groups but not significantly higher than the feminine gender ideology group. Thus, the current study indicates there are partial associations between gender ideology and gender role strain and life satisfaction for dual-career couples. Mental health professionals, employers, and policy makers working with dual-career couples should assess the socially constructed gender norms and expectations internalized by individuals into a gender ideology as the possible source of challenges experienced by the dual-career couple.

This study examined sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction in connection with the emotional climate within which it exists, using data from a 13-year longitudinal study about marriage. First, affection and negativity were used to predict sexual frequency. Second, affection, negativity and sexual frequency were used to predict spouses' sexual satisfaction. Third, sexual frequency and spouses' sexual satisfaction were used to predict marital satisfaction. A positive association was found between affection and sexual frequency, whereas no association was found between negativity and sexual frequency. Affection was found to be associated with higher sexual satisfaction for husbands in the early years of marriage and negativity was associated with lower sexual satisfaction for both spouses. An association was also found between one's own sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction. No association was found between sexual frequency and marital satisfaction when the emotional climate was considered. / text

This report examines the state of research regarding the psychological impact of war on American soldiers deployed in military operations in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). Particular focus is given to examination of marital and relationship satisfaction within the Hispanic soldier and veteran population. A wide range of research examines the traumatic aftereffects of wartime service with predominant themes of posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse appearing across the literature. Examination of the Hispanic population is disputed with researchers producing conflicting findings: some researchers have indicated an increased risk of psychological disturbances in Hispanic wartime veterans while other have found no such difference between the Hispanic and majority groups. Attempts to explain these discrepant results have ranged from differences in acculturation, to potentially increased traumatic exposure, or to underlying feelings of persecution and alienation. However, consistent results were found in regards to the negative relationship between traumatic exposure and romantic relationship satisfaction. Younger males of lower socioeconomic status with increased trauma exposure and comorbid mental health diagnoses consistently reported less relationship satisfaction than their peers. Given the nature of family and the importance of close relationships within the Hispanic culture, it is increasingly necessary for clinicians working with Hispanic veterans to be aware of these findings. This author purposes that future researchers explore this concept of relationship satisfaction within the Hispanic veteran population with attention given to potentially mediating variables such as level of acculturation and traumatic experience exposure. / text

This study examined the role that communication and coping skills play in the relation between stress and marital satisfaction in a community sample of 119 married, heterosexual couples in Italy. Hierarchical regression models were used to test for communication or coping skills as a moderator of the relation between an external or internal stressor and relationship satisfaction. Results from regression analyses showed that actor reports of both coping and communication significantly contributed to relationship satisfaction above and beyond contributions from external/internal stressors for both husbands and wives. There was a significant interaction effect of poor communication and internal stress on relationship satisfaction for both husbands and wives. There was also a significant interaction effect of coping skills and internal stress on relationship satisfaction for wives. Additionally, there was a significant interaction effect of husbands’ coping and wives’ internal stress on relationship satisfaction. Implications of these findings for prevention and intervention strategies for relationship distress and for further research are discussed.