Abstract
Despite the paucity of empirical evidence indicating the impact of money arguments on spousal relationship outcomes, it is
common belief that money plays a large role in the life of couples. This study used panel data from the 1979 National Longitudinal
Study of Youth to examine how money-related arguments affect the marital relationship. Economic theory indicates that initial
expectations about the marriage and variance in expectations are both important in predicting relationship satisfaction and
divorce. Money arguments were modeled as a sign of the lack of investment in spousal-specific capital and were hypothesized
to negatively impact relationship quality. Results suggest that money arguments are an important indicator of relationship
satisfaction, but are not as influential in predicting divorce. Both the approach used to model money arguments and the empirical
results can be used by marriage therapists and financial counselors to help couples understand and improve the benefits received
through marriage.
common belief that money plays a large role in the life of couples. This study used panel data from the 1979 National Longitudinal
Study of Youth to examine how money-related arguments affect the marital relationship. Economic theory indicates that initial
expectations about the marriage and variance in expectations are both important in predicting relationship satisfaction and
divorce. Money arguments were modeled as a sign of the lack of investment in spousal-specific capital and were hypothesized
to negatively impact relationship quality. Results suggest that money arguments are an important indicator of relationship
satisfaction, but are not as influential in predicting divorce. Both the approach used to model money arguments and the empirical
results can be used by marriage therapists and financial counselors to help couples understand and improve the benefits received
through marriage.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10834-012-9304-5
- Authors
- Sonya L. Britt, School of Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University, 317 Justin Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Sandra J. Huston, Department of Personal Financial Planning, Texas Tech University, Box 4120, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Journal Journal of Family and Economic Issues
- Online ISSN 1573-3475
- Print ISSN 1058-0476