Satisfaction with Various Aspects of Marriage over the Life Cycle: A Random Middle Class Sample

Abstract

In an attempt to attain greater conceptual clarity than is permitted with the traditional omnibus terms of marital adjustment, integration, etc., six more specific areas of marital experience are identified. The research investigates how subjective satisfaction with each of these areas varies over the life cycle. Contrary to earlier findings, the school-age stage is found to be the most difficult. Satisfaction in relationships with children remains low through adolescent years, but in most of the other areas the adolescent years in this sample are the beginning of a rising trend that usually lasts until retirement.