This study investigated cognitive components of marital adjustment and the role of social desirability response sets in a sample of retired older adults. It was hypothesized that higher marital adjustment scores would correlate negatively with dysfunctional beliefs concerning marriage. The objectives of the study were to identify which irrational beliefs are related to higher and lower levels of marital adjustment, and to determine the extent to which higher adjustment scores reflect the tendency to respond in a socially desirable manner. The sample consisted of 45 married couples, each partner of which was retired and aged 65 years or older. Assessment was made by self-report using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976), Relationship Belief Inventory (Eidelson & Epstein, 1982), and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (Crowne & Marlowe, 1960). Significant correlations were found between virtually all total scores for the total sample as well as males and females separately. Results support the hypotheses that higher Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores were negatively correlated with lower Relationship Belief Inventory and Social Desirability Scale scores. No significant differences were found between males and females on any of the variables.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1999. / Bibliography: leaves 72-76.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1999. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1996.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1996.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1999. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.