Physical Attractiveness and Marriage Adjustment in Older American Couples

Abstract

Related to Murstein and Christy's data on physical attractiveness and middle-aged marriage adjustment, the current study examined the effects of physical attractiveness on marital adjustment among older couples. The Ss were 32 older adult, middle-class American couples who were administered three physical attractiveness measures: photos, self-evaluations, and evaluations by spouse. The Ss also completed the Locke-Wallace Marriage Adjustment Scale. It was predicted that couples would be matched for physical attractiveness and that attractiveness in general would be correlated with marriage adjustment. The results provided partial support for the first hypothesis, but only for photo ratings. The second hypothesis received fairly strong support relative to husbands' marital adjustment and partial support in relation to wives' marital satisfaction.