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Intimacy, Differentiation, and Personality Variables as Predictors of Marital Satisfaction

Shawn Patrick

Texas State University-San Marcos, sp27{at}txstate.edu

James N. Sells

Regent University

Fran G. Giordano

Northern Illinois University

Toni R. Tollerud

Northern Illinois University

This study attempted to integrate theories of intimacy and differentiation with previously studied relationship variables to generate a predictive model of marital satisfaction. Findings from this study supported intimacy and spousal support as strong variables in predicting marital satisfaction but found no relationship between differentiation and marital satisfaction. Length of marriage, children, age, prior cohabitation, division of labor, and income were not found to be significant predictors of satisfaction.

Key Words: intimacy • marital satisfaction • predicting marital satisfaction • intimacy

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The Family Journal, Vol. 15, No. 4, 359-367 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1066480707303754


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This article has been cited by other articles:


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M. L. Holt, J. M. Devlin, B. Flamez, and D. Eckstein
Using the Holt Relationship Intimacy Questionnaire (HRIQ): What Intimacy Means to You and Your Partner
The Family Journal, April 1, 2009; 17(2): 146 - 150.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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