What Predicts Marital Satisfaction?

A common question in our field is: "what predicts marital satisfaction?" It has been carefully researched and analyzed. One of the most comprehensive and fruitful longitudinal studies of its kind was conducted by CTI's own  Dr. Scott Wolfe.

When Dr. Wolfe first conducted his research, there was much enthusiasm for various "marital enrichment" programs. The problem was there was little or no research to inform these programs as to which marital variables would require the greatest emphasis in their program.

But there were lots of longitudinal studies on divorce. Divorce has been under the social science microscope for more than half a century.

But at the time of Dr. Wolfe's research, only two studies, (Markman, 1977, 1981) and (Bentler and Newcomb, 1978) actually followed couples from the time of their marriage onward.

This research didn't help to optimally design Enrichment programs, however. Bentler and Newcomb only focused on personality traits and concluded that they were predictive of marital satisfaction four years later.

This research didn't help answer the question of what predicts marital satisfaction either. Personality traits are part of what Gottman calls "perpetual problems."

Characteristics of personality are not easily modified by enrichment programs. Markman (1977, 1981) studied communication in couples.

Dr. Wolfe acknowledged communication as an important variable, but Markman's research was plagued with what Dr. Wolfe described as "serious methodological shortcomings."

Dr. Wolfe's study sought to provide useful data that could identify what specifically predicts marital satisfaction. What was sorely needed was valuable data that marriage enrichment programs could zero in on. And Dr. Wolfe found it.

What Predicts Marital Satisfaction? Dr. Wolfe offers an Answer!

The most significant finding from Dr. Wolfe's study was that the perception of how empathetic your partner is towards you the greatest variable in marital satisfaction.

We have to believe deep down, that despite any surface differences, our partner is empathetic and is willing to see things from our point of view.

Empathic understanding is one of the primary processes in marital communication which facilitates satisfaction.

Empathy encourages emotional bonding, and determines in part, whether or not a couple will describe their marriage as satisfying.

What Predicts Marital Satisfaction is a Primary Process

What predicts marital satisfaction is the process of actively reaching out to understand your partner's thoughts, feelings, and inner world. What Gottman calls a "Love Map."

When you show compassion, you demonstrate the capacity to describe your partner's inner experience and communicate that understanding so effectively that your partner feels like you "got" them.

You also consistently show curiosity, ask thoughtful questions, and remain attuned with your partner as your growing understanding of their feelings unfolds. Empathy includes not only how you think, but also how you regulate your emotions, and how effectively you can communicate without sliding into defensiveness or criticism.

So there it is.

A well-developed capacity for empathic understanding was found by Dr. Wolfe to be the best predictor of marital satisfaction for both men and women.

Couples who rate their partner as empathic before marriage, are more likely to be satisfied after the wedding.

An Additional Trait that Contributes to Satisfaction...for Men Only!

Dr. Wolfe did notice a less highly correlated additional trait which also contributed to a husband's marital satisfaction.

When confronting problems, men are socialized to be solution-oriented, and they appreciate spouses who either share or appreciate that trait.

Women, however, did not identify "problem-solving" as important to their satisfaction.

Men who considered their spouses skilled at working with them to find solutions to problems before marriage also tended to be more satisfied with their partners after they married.

CTI team member Dr. Scott Wolfe is a Certified Gottman Master Trainer, and a highly experienced Certified Gottman  Therapist. Dr. Wolfe holds science-based Gottman Method Couples Therapy Intensives in his office in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Ready for a change in your relationship?

It starts with a no-obligation 15 minute phone call with our client services team.

Dr. Kathy McMahon


Dr. Kathy McMahon (Dr. K) is a clinical psychologist and sex therapist. She is also the founder and president of Couples Therapy Inc. Dr. K feels passionate about couples therapy and sex therapy and holds a deep respect towards those who invest in making their relationship better. She is currently conducting online and in person private couples retreats.

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