Examining the Satisfaction and Values of Domestic and International Marriages

Abstract

Despite an emphasis on global interconnectedness, little has been written about the unique challenges of international marriages. As a result, this research was conducted to investigate the marital values and satisfaction of males and females in domestic (natives of the U.S.) and international (one is a native of the U.S. and the other is foreign born) marriages. The Characteristics of Marriage Inventory (CHARISMA) was used to gather information through an online quantitative survey. The mean family values score for American participants with American spouses (domestic marriage) was significantly higher than the mean family values score for foreign-born participants with American spouses (in an international marriage). However, there was no significant difference in marriage satisfaction. In addition, an analysis of gender resulted in a non-significant effect on the combined marital satisfaction variable, but indicated a significant main effect on loyalty. The mean loyalty score for male participants (both native born and international) was significantly lower than the mean loyalty score for female participants. As a result, it is important for further research to understand what loyalty means to men (domestic and international).Moreover, psychology must further explore the values of the international married population and examine the context of a marriage.