Marital Satisfaction in Later Life: An Examination of Equity,Equality,and Reward Theories

Abstract

This study extended equity, equality, and reward theories, which have been well examined in younger populations, to predictions of marital satisfaction of older adults. One hundred-thirty-five elderly married participants were surveyed. Results: indicated: 1) equity perceptions significantly influenced marital satisfaction; 2) perceptions of equality and reward significantly affected marital satisfaction; and 3) perceived reward was the single most influential of the three independent variables, accounting for 44 percent of the variance in marital satisfaction; 4) gender was not a factor for any of the variables under study. Overall, the elderly married individuals studied were satisfied in their marriages. Exchange factors were found to significantly influence individual's satisfaction in their marital relationships; however, the most important of these factors was perceived rewards.