Abstract
This study examined the relationship of instrumental and affectional behavioral events to short- and long-term marital satisfaction. Eleven distressed and 11 nondistressed couples made daily observations of their spouses' pleasurable and displeasurable behavior over a 14-day period. These behavioral ratings were also related to several personality variables pertaining to sex role orientation and to reported activity during the 4 weeks prior to the study. Results showed a significant negative relationship between the frequency of displeasurabl e instrumental events and both overall and daily ratings of marital satisfaction. Affectional events were not significantly related to long-term satisfaction, contrary to expectation. Rates of displeasurabl e affectional events correlated negatively with daily ratings of satisfaction at a significant level. The most important finding of the study was the degree to which wives' self-esteem correlated with couple-rated marital satisfaction. The results are discussed with regard to the need for further research that examines marriage as a source of mutual support and benefit for both partners. Interest in the application of behavioral technology to marriage has been demonstrated by a number of recent studies (Liberman, 1970; Patterson, Weiss, & Hops, 1974; Stuart, 1969; R. L. Weiss, Hops, & Patterson, 1973). The social-learning approach to marital conflict and accord is concerned with the occurrence of overt behaviors by persons in the particular situations of interest (e.g., Royce & Weiss, 1975). The behavioral view sees marital happiness as ultimately based on the actual interactions of the marriage partners. Findings that are not readily related to this interaction are not seen as particularly helpful for developing solutions to marital conflict. One important issue raised by the behavioral perspective involves the relative contributions of pleasur
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