tal instability tend to vary by age and marital duration. In pursuit of this objective, interactions between age and marital instability, on the one hand, and a variety of intervening variables, on the other hand, as a cause of divorce and marital instability, were measured and assessed. Based on theoretical data reported in the literature, the researchers formulated a number of results expectations, which were translated into hypotheses. These expectations were as follows:
1. Marriages become more stable, as both individuals and marriages age. Thus, the families at most risk of divorce are also the families most likely to include school aged children.
2. As individuals age, the link between marital satisfaction and dissolution will be stronger for men than women.
3. Age at marriage is a stronger predictor of divorce and marital instability in younger marriages.
4. Participation of the wife in the work force leads to increased marital instability. Again, families with school aged children are in a high risk class for divorce. 5. Individuals with strong traditional and religious values are less prone to divorce and marital instability.
The findings of the study often contradicted the researchers' expectations, and, thus, the body of theory upon which those expectations were based. The study findings were as follows Booth, Johnson, White, and Edwards, (1986, pp. 421 442):
1. The divorce rate was found to correlate with age and marital duration to a greater extent than marital instability.
2. A higher level of marital financial assets reduces the probability of divorce, although not the probability of marital instability. This finding is consistent with theory.
3. Higher income reduces the probability of divorce and marital instability in shorter marriages, and has an opposite effect in longer marriages.
4. An early marriage age contributes to higher rates of divorce and marital instabili...