A method for derivation of areas for assessment in marital relationships

This study expands upon factor-analytic and rational methods and introduces a third method for determining the important content areas to be assessed in marital relationships. Ninety-five women and 95 men provided definitions of a “good marriage.” These responses were content analyzed and yielded a 16-category outline of content areas. A number of areas were found through this method which add to those already present in the literature. They were verified through ratings of importance by a second sample of 26 married men and 32 married women. Analysis of demographic subgroup differences in the specified content areas showed that marital status, age, education, religion and income were not influential factors. Sex of the respondent was an influence for 25% of the areas.