Effects of Mate Value and Mate Value Discrepancy on Perceived Marital Quality: A Dyadic Approach

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mate value assessment and mate value discrepancy on perceived marital quality, using an assessment of personal and partner mate value obtained by both partners. The sample included 442 heterosexual couples that have lived together for at least a year. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to investigate the effects of personal and partner mate value assessment on the evaluation of marital quality. In addition, two interaction effects were added to the model to examine the effect of mate value discrepancy on perceived marital quality. The APIM model showed significant actor and partner effects of the partner's mate value assessment on the evaluation of both husbands' and wives' marital quality. The model also showed a significant effect of personal mate value assessed by wives on husbands' marital quality assessment. However, the current evidence does not confirm the assumption of a possible combination of partners' mate value promoting marital quality above and beyond the contribution of both partners' mate value.