using this information
Marital Satisfaction
Marital satisfaction varies predictably and normally over the course of a relationship’s lifespan.
In general, married people are more satisfied than non-married people, whether never-married, separated, or divorced. Married people tend to experience more social cohesion, feel less isolated, are happier, healthier, and live longer than non-married people
Marital satisfaction is largely subjective, and depends on the perception of the partners. A relationship in which the needs, interests, and expectations of each partner match is considered a satisfying relationship.
Anthropologists, psychologists, and functionalists all agree that the marriage relationship is an important structure, as it provides a setting for private lives and a haven from the demands of the external society.
Influences on Marital Satisfaction
Marital satisfaction is heavily influenced by each partner’s degree of commitment to maintaining the relationship. Building and maintaining intimacy, in various forms, is also a positive contributor to a relationship’s well-being. Satisfaction is the result of the relationship providing something of value to both partners, such as intimacy and companionship.
Marital satisfaction is improved when each partner has a healthy self-identity, and functions as a secure individual within the relationship. Typically, satisfaction with the marriage relationship declines over time, usually in relation to the presence of children. The developmental stage of the relationship is a reliable predictor of marriage satisfaction. Newlyweds report high marriage satisfaction, which declines as they encounter issues and stressors in their relationship. Satisfaction levels off, however, as the relationship matures and the couple develop coping strategies and a marital system. How well a couple deals with their conflicts influences their sense of satisfaction with their relationship. Marital satisfaction tends to be at its lowest in families with teenagers, but satisfaction recovers once the children become independent adults. Homogamous spouses tend to report fewer conflicts and greater satisfaction with their relationship than spouses who do not share similar interests and values.
Make a list of 10 strategies for a successful marriage. Your strategies should reflect what you know about influences of marital satisfaction, conflict management, and communication techniques. Number each item in your list. Organize your strategies from most to least importance
