Happiness in Marriage

OVERVIEW OF THE PROBLEM

Orden and Bradburn (1968) noted, “The dimensions of marriage happiness may be viewed as a resultant of two independent dimensions, a dimension of satisfactions and a dimension of tensions” (p. 715, par 2). Consequently, one’s opinion on their marital happiness can be perceived from either a positive or a negative perspective. Due to the complexity of examining the many correlations contributing to marital happiness, this analysis focuses on three factors that studies have shown are determinants. The three variables being studied in this analysis are the correlation between one’s opinion on the happiness of their marriage and age, respondent’s highest degree, as well as, the spouse’s highest degree. A recent literature review of these major variables has been added to this analysis for the purposes of conceptualizing this study.

A review of research in the study of marital happiness has shown that education has changed the dynamic of American marriage in the twenty-first century. During the twentieth century, few couples had marriages where both spouses had earned more than a high school degree. As noted by Cherlin (2005), “ in 1940, only about one-third of adults had graduated from high school and just one in sixteen had graduated from college” (p. 34, par. 4). However, changes to trends in society’s view of education have shown rising rates in individual’s personal pursuits to further their education. In fact, Cherlin (2005), wrote “today, five out of six adults graduate from high school, and about one third complete college” (p. 35 par. 1). It can be assumed then, that in the United States about half of married couples have both spouses’ having earned a higher education degree. Research has produced mixed results suggesting that when both spouses’ hold higher education degrees they are happier in their marriages (Cherlin, 2005; Orden & Bradburn, n.d.; Previti and Amato, 2003).

Careful analysis of literature assessing one’s age, as a measurable contributing to marital happiness showed that some older people were happier in their marriages than younger people(source). This research is interesting considering the scope of life span psychology including the physical benefits of youth, and the psychological benefits of wisdom by experience.

Through the use of statistical testing, this analysis intends to test the following hypotheses. First, people who have a higher education level are happier in their marriage. Second, people who are older are happier in their marriage. The third hypothesis tests that the higher a spouse’s income is, the happier an individual will be in their marriage.