Factors influencing ratings of marital quality by individuals within dual-career marriages: A conceptual model

In the present study, the authors proposed and tested a model of marital qu ality among individuals (52 men, 55 women) in dual-career marriages. The mo del was constructed within a social role framework and includes variables t hat positively influence marital quality, those that negatively influence m arital quality, and those that mediate the relationship between the negativ e factors and marital quality. A path analysis indicated that marital quali ty was predicted directly by love, sexual satisfaction, communication, and satisfaction with the dual-career lifestyle. Objective demands of job and f amily roles predicted perceived job-family role strain. Coping, but not per ceived equity, mediated the relationship between role strain and marital qu ality. Combined income and social support impacted marital quality indirect ly through satisfaction with the dual-career lifestyle. Implications for co unselors are discussed.