Equity, Marital Satisfaction, and Stability

Abstract

Equity Theory, a social psychological theory concerned with fairness in interpersonal relations, has been shown to be predictivein casual encounters. Is it applicable in intimate relations as well? Newlyweds were asked a series of questions designed to measure the perceived level of equity in their relationship. Measures of their contentment/distress with the relationship and stability of the relationship were also taken. It was hypothesized that men and women who felt equitably treated would feel more content in their marriage and would perceive the marriage as more stable than would men and women in inequitable marriages. Strong evidence in support of both hypotheses was found. Also reported is a test of a post hoc hypothesis that women and men should be differentially concerned with equity. No significant sex differences were found on any of the dependent variables in the study.

Self Described Happy Couples and Factors of Successful Marriage in Iran

“…Garcia (1999) believes that satisfaction is considered at three levels: (a) the satisfaction with one's spouse, (b) satisfaction with family relationships, and (c) general satisfaction with life. Some researchers have focused on the relationship between stability and marital satisfaction (Givertz, Segrin, & Hanzal, 2009;Utne, Hatfield, Traupmann & Greenberger, 1984) and equity and marital satisfaction (Davis, Emerson, & Williams, 1997;Saginak & Saginak, 2005). A satisfactory relationship is the most important and complex aspect of intimate relationships.…”

Relational Uncertainty, Perceived Fairness, and the Division of Household Labor in Cohabiting and Married Couples

“…Some equity theorists suggest that equity is a social norm, thus overbenefited partners feel uncomfortable. Yet, research on extramarital affairs and relationship contentment (Hatfield, Greenberger, Traupmann & Lambert, 1982; Traupmann, Hatfield & Wexler, 1978) and research on newlyweds' marital satisfaction (Utne, Hatfield, Traupmann & Greenberger, 1984) has found that overbenefited partners have levels of satisfaction and contentment more similar to partners in equitable relationships.…”

Managing Blended Friendships: Using Empirical Data to Prepare Students and Employees for Relational Outcomes

“…Research has shown that inequity has a negative impact on relational characteristics such as satisfaction in close friendships (Medvene, Teal, & Slavich, 2000) and in dating relationships (Dainton, 2003;Sprecher, 2001a), marital contentment and stability (Utne, Hatfield, Traupmann, & Greenberger, 1984), marital satisfaction (Van Yperen & Buunk, 1990), a husband's liking of his wife (Canary & Stafford, 1992), and satisfaction in parents' relationship with their children (Vogl-Bauer, Kalbfleisch, & Beatty, 1998). In addition, inequitably treated partners are less likely to engage in relationship maintenance than equitably treated partners (Canary & Stafford, 1992, 1993, 2001Dainton, 2003;Messman, Canary, & Hause, 2000;Vogl-Bauer et al, 1998).…”