Criterion-related validity of the marital disaffection scale as a measure of marital estrangement

The Marital Disaffection Scale was administered, along with measures of pos itive feelings towards spouse, problem-drinking behavior of spouse, workaho lic behavior of spouse, and marital status, to 323 female members of the Am erican Counseling Association. Scores on the Marital Disaffection Scale sho wed significant inverse correlations (r=-.94) with positive feelings toward s spouse and (r(pb)=-.63) with marital status. Scores on the Marital Disaff ection Scale showed significant positive relationships (r=.36) with spouse' s problem drinking behavior and (r=.48) with workaholic behavior of spouse. The results support the use of the Marital Disaffection Scale as a measure of emotional estrangement in marriage.