Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1984

Thesis Director

Douglas Bock

Abstract

Research has shown that similar communicator styles leads to effective communication, and effective communication leads to relationship satisfaction. Using an extension of balance theory, this study analyzed the relationship between spouses similar/dissimilar communication competence ratings and their marital satisfaction.

Subjects consisted of 44 married couples from a midwestern university and the surrounding area. The Communication Adaptability Scale was used to measure communication competence. The Marital Adjustment Test was used to measure marital satisfaction. Using a t-test no significance was found.

The overall competence score of each spouse was broken down into six separate factors (appropriate disclosure, articulation, social experience, social composure, social confirmation, and wit) and couples similarity/dissimilarity of each factor was analyzed in relation to their marital satisfaction. Only two factors were found to be significant, appropriate disclosure and social experience. Couples similarity of appropriate disclosure was found to be significantly related to marital satisfaction (p. < .01). Couples dissimilarity of appropriate disclosure was found to be significnatly related to marital dissatisfaction (p. < .01). Couples similarity of social experience was found to be significantly related to marital dissatisfaction (p. < .01). Dissimilarity of social experience was found to be significantly related to marital satisfaction (p . < . 01). These findings help in identifying the specific communication factors related to marital satisfaction.

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