The effect of the couple's personality similarity on the marital quality

Abstract

Objective To investigate couple's personality similarity effect on the marital quality, and to explore the vairance of such effect under different levels of spouse's depression. Methods The cross-sectional data of 4644 couple from the national survey of mental health database in china(2009) was used. Couples completed Locke -Wallance marital adjustment test, The CES-D scale a self-report depression scale and Eysenck personality questionnaire short scale for Chinese version (EPQ - RSC). Results The personality similarities of couples(0.44±0.27) and their marital quality (wife (103.71±27.54), husband (106.15±26.94))had significant positive correlation (r=0.25~0.27, P<0.01). Regression analysis showed the effect of personality similarity on the marital quality were varied according to the level of spouse depression(β=0.09-0.22, P<0.05). Among participants whose husband or wife had higher level of depression, couple's personality similarity had stronger effect on his/her perceived marital quality. Conclusion Husband and wife personality similarity is related to marital quality significantly, and the spouse depression plays a significant moderating role in this relationship. Key words: Personality similarity; Marital quality; Spouses' depression