Expectations of Marriage Among College Students From Intact and Non-Intact Homes

Abstract

This study examined expectations of marriage in college students, 244 of whom were from intact homes and 61 of whom were from non-intact homes. Both groups of students completed questionnaires which assess love styles, levels of romanticism, and expectations of marriage. Results indicate that the two groups have similar breakdowns in expectations of marriage (pessimistic, realistic, or idealistic). Additionally, it was found that students who reported idealistic expectations of marriage were more likely to adhere to Eros, Storge, Pragma, and Agape styles of loving. Students reporting idealistic expectations of marriage were also more likely to report high levels of romanticism. Results indicate that unrealistic-idealistic expectations of marriage may be related to romanticism. Results also indicate that the Marriage Expectation Scale (MES) is an adequate measure which may be useful in future research.