Date of Award:

12-2008

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Family, Consumer, and Human Development

Advisor/Chair:

Scot M. Allgood

Abstract

This study included a representative random sample of 886 married individuals in Utah. This sample was surveyed to discover the relationship between demographic variables, reported mental health issues, and marital quality. In addition, this study sought to discover models, using demographic variables and reported mental health issues, to predict for separate dimensions of marital quality. This survey was a replication of a study completed primarily in Oklahoma, with the addition of questions about the participants' mental health. Spearman's rho, Pearson's R, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. The results of the study show that: religious beliefs had a statistically significant relationship with commitment/satisfaction, with stability, and negative interactions. Religious activity had a statistically significant relationship with commitment/satisfaction, and negative interactions. The duration of marriage had a statistically significant relationship with stability, negative interactions, and age at time of current marriage. The models found for predicting the separate dimensions of marital quality including commitment and satisfaction, stability, and negative interactions were all robust. Implications and recommendations are discussed.

Copyright for this work is retained by the student.