The Relationship Between Couple Type and the Social Environment: a New Approach to Measuring Marital Satisfaction

Author

Gina Lynne Miller

Date of Graduation

Spring 2000

Degree

Master of Arts in Communication

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Charlene Berquist

Abstract

This research extends Fitzpatrick's (1988) work on couple types. The study assesses the "fit" between the values of different couple types as determined by Fitzpatrick's typology and the social environment that a couple finds itself a part of and the relationship of this "fit" to couples' marital satisfaction. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were selected as the sample type most representative of Fitzpatrick's Traditional couple type. These couples were compared to a second sample representative of the Non Mormon population. Social support networks are examined by category through self-report. These groups are assessed by the degree of influence they have on the participant, amount of time the participant spends with the group, and how similar the values are to the participant's. Result of the study indicate there is a relationship between couple type values with the social environment and couples' overall marital satisfaction.

Subject Categories

Communication

Copyright

© Gina Lynne Miller

Recommended Citation

Miller, Gina Lynne, "The Relationship Between Couple Type and the Social Environment: a New Approach to Measuring Marital Satisfaction" (2000). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 253.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/253