Similarity and Satisfaction in Newlywed Relationships

Date of Graduation

Spring 1997

Degree

Master of Arts in Communication

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Charlene Berquist

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how newlywed couples, married less than two years, perceive similarity to influence their relationship satisfaction. Individuals' perceptions of change in the importance of similarity at different relationship stages were also examined. Twenty individuals from 10 couples participated in the study. Results revealed four main categories which individuals discussed as important to their relationships. These categories included reasons for marrying, similarity, differences, and relationship satisfaction. Results illustrated that individuals' reason for marrying were later reasons for feeling satisfied with their marriage. Most newlyweds perceived similarity to be more important in marriage than earlier relationship stages. All newlyweds in this study believe similarity to influence satisfaction in their marriages.

Subject Categories

Communication

Copyright

© Joanna D Bumpus

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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