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Self-esteem agreement in the marital relationship
1Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-1070.
The Journal of Social Psychology
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Married partners' self-esteem converges across different life stages, from young families to retirement. This study analyzed 336 couples, finding shared self-esteem development throughout marriage.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Self-esteem is a critical component of individual well-being and relationship satisfaction.
- Understanding how self-esteem evolves within marriage is essential for relationship longevity.
- Previous research has explored various factors influencing marital dynamics, but the convergence of self-esteem across distinct life stages requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the convergence of self-esteem between married partners.
- To investigate how this convergence varies across four distinct marital life stages.
- To apply the circular-causal model of relationship development to understand self-esteem dynamics in marriage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a circular-causal model of relationship development.
- Sampled 336 married couples in the United States.
- Grouped couples into four life stages: young children, school-aged children, empty nest (wife 45-59), and retired.
- Measured individual self-esteem and partner's self-esteem evaluations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a significant convergence of partners' self-esteem.
- This convergence was observed across all four marital life stages studied.
- Findings suggest a mutual influence on self-esteem development within marriage.
Conclusions:
- Partners' self-esteem tends to become more similar over the course of marriage.
- The marital relationship appears to foster a convergence in self-esteem levels.
- This study highlights the dynamic interplay of self-esteem within long-term relationships.