Predictors of Marital Adjustment During the First Two Years

ABSTRACT

Marital difficulties for many couples occur early in marriage. Approximately 21% of marriages end within the first two years and 40% end by the fourth year. The consequences for individuals and their families affect emotional well-being, financial stability, and child development. A sample of 93 couples participated in a study in which data were collected on marriage at five intervals between one month and two years. During the first months, age, income, and education have some impact on marital adjustment but this influence weakens in time. Examining results across the two year interval suggests that interpersonal trust, desired spousal behavior change, and emotional maturity are highly associated with marital adjustment. In particular, marital processes of interpersonal trust and desired spousal behavior change at one month are predictive of marital adjustment at two years.