Marital Satisfaction and Marital Stability : A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models

결혼만족도와 결혼안정성 : 두 이론의 비교

The controversy between Lewis and Spanier's theory and Thomas and kleber's theory on marital satisfaction and marital stability was tested empirically. The results show that while marital satisfaction was the best predictor for marital stability the impact of alternative attractions and external pressures to remaim married was more complicated than both theories predicted depending on the nature of alternative attractions. Thomas and Kleber's theory was supported in most of groups Contrary to Lewis and Spanier's theory alternative atteractions did not negatively affect marital stability of marriages of high qulity. Contrary to both theories external pressures to remain married was not an important predictor of marital stability . In some cases high external pressures to remain married even lowered marital stability. The validity of both theories are discussed.