Gender-Related Predictors of Change in Marital Satisfaction and Marital Conflict

Abstract

Longitudinal secondary dyadic data from first time marriages were analyzed from the National Survey of Families and Households (Sweet, Bumpass, & Call, 1988), for the purpose of examining gender-related predictors of husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction and marital conflict over time. This study extended the line of thinking of previous research by taking a longitudinal look at predictors of marital satisfaction and marital conflict in stable marriages. Results indicate that there is some support for gender-based influences on husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction and conflict over time. Additionally, the findings from this study suggest that wives' marital and interpersonal functioning may be a greater predictor for husbands' marital satisfaction and marital conflict. Recommendations for clinicians working with couples are also presented.