Equity,Equality, and Self-Interest in Marital Maintenance |
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Authors: | Marianne Dainton |
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Institution: | Department of Communication, La Salle University. |
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Abstract: | This study investigated the extent to which generalized equity, a reciprocal exchange approach to maintenance (e.g., reward minus costs), and a self-interest approach (e.g., rewards only) were associated with marital satisfaction. An online survey was distributed to 547 heterosexual married individuals. Results supported equity predictions for six maintenance behaviors when using a categorical measure of equity, and for five of the maintenance behaviors when using a linear measure of equity. Counter to predictions, equity and sex did not interact on the use of maintenance. Finally, a combination of equity, reciprocal exchange, and self-interest predicted 57% of the variance in marital satisfaction. |
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Keywords: | Communication Theory Relationship Maintenance Romantic Relationships |
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