Dogmatism, locus of control, and life goals in stable and unstable marriages

Abstract

This study hypothesized that individuals in unstable marriages were more dogmatic, more externally controlled, and evidenced more dissimilarity in life-motivating goals than those in stable marriage. Two groups of 22 married couples (designated married-stable and married-unstable) were administered the Rokeach Dogmatism Scale, the Rotter I-E Scale, and the Hahn California Life Goals Evaluation Schedules. Although results did not support any of the three hypotheses stated, the findings led to three significant conclusions. First, dogmatic traits that were expected to be predominant in unstable marriages actually were seen as a stabilizing factor when demonstrated by the female spouse. Second, wives in unstable marriages demonstrated greater external locus of control than their husbands. Third, dissimilarities in life goals do not necessarily contribute to marital discordance, but actually are associated with marital stability unless they include the motivational areas of leadership and independence.