Relationships between attitudinal similarity, couple structure, and couple satisfaction within married and de facto couples

This study investigated hypotheses relating attitudinal similarity (religious orientation and marital roles) and balanced levels of relationship structure (cohesion and adaptability) to levels of satisfaction among 100 married de facto couples participating in the ENRICH program throughout Australia. similar religious orientation was associated with higher levels of couple satisfaction in regard to personality issues, conflict resolution. financial management, leisure activities. children and marriage and family and friends. Similar attitudes towards marital roles were related to higher levels of satisfaction in the areas of global satisfaction. conflict resolution financial management, and leisure activities. Couples whose relationships were balanced an adaptability were more satisfied on all satisfaction dimensions relative to more rigid or more chaotic couples. Balanced cohesion was not related to couple satisfaction. However, the results indicated that high levels of satisfaction were reported by couples who were highly cohesive and also balanced on adaptability.