Gender, Marital Mutuality and Identity Development in Middle-aged and Elderly Couples.

Abstract

　　This study examined the influence of marital commitment on marital satisfaction and identity development. Questionnaires were administered to 51 couples (mean ages: wives 56.3 years, husbands 59.1 years). The main results were as follows: (1) Marital commitment consisted of three dimensions: personal commitment, functional commitment and obligatory commitment. (2) Husbands scored significantly higher than wives on personal commitment. (3) Personal commitment was positively associated with marital satisfaction and identity development. (4) In addition, identity development was negatively associated with functional commitment and was positively associated with obligatory commitment among wives. The results are discussed in terms of mutuality in enduring marriages.