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Predicting marital distress and dissolution: refining the two-factor hypothesis.
Ronald D Rogge1, Thomas N Bradbury, Kurt Hahlweg
1Department of Clinical and Social Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA. rogge@psych.rochester.edu
Summary
Hostility and neuroticism predict divorce and marital dissatisfaction, while communication impacts satisfaction levels. These traits are key to understanding long-term marital success and early relationship decline.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Marital stability and satisfaction are crucial for long-term well-being.
- Predicting marital outcomes remains a significant challenge in relationship science.
- Previous research often focused on communication, potentially overlooking other key factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive power of premarital hostility, neuroticism, and communication on marital outcomes.
- To differentiate the impact of these factors on marital dissolution versus satisfaction.
- To identify early predictors of marital decline.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 85 German couples followed for 5 years post-marriage.
- Assessment of premarital communication, hostility, and neuroticism.
- Analysis of marital outcomes including separation, divorce, and satisfaction levels.
Main Results:
- Hostility and neuroticism significantly predicted separation or divorce within 5 years.
- Communication patterns distinguished between satisfied and dissatisfied married couples.
- Hostility and neuroticism were the sole predictors of marital satisfaction at 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Poor communication alone does not fully explain diverse marital outcomes.
- Hostility and neuroticism contribute to early and rapid declines in marital functioning.
- Models of marital success should incorporate both infrequent negative interactions (aggression) and individual vulnerabilities (neuroticism).