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Marital Quality and Income: An Examination of the Influence of Government Assistance

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Abstract

Using data from a random telephone statewide survey in Utah, the associations between income, government assistance and six dimensions of marital quality were explored with a sample of 295 married individuals with incomes below $40,000. Results indicate that income has a main effect on negative interaction and feeling trapped. An interaction of government assistance and income on two dimensions of marital quality was found. Individuals that experienced the combination of earning less than $20,000 per year while receiving government assistance had significantly lower levels of overall marital satisfaction and commitment than individuals receiving government assistance with higher incomes and individuals who have never received government assistance. Implications and possible explanations are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Development and Family Studies, University of Missouri, 314 Gentry Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211-7700, USA

    David G. Schramm

  2. Family, Consumer, and Human Development, Utah State University, 2905 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-2905, USA

    V. William Harris

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  1. David G. Schramm
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  2. V. William Harris
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Correspondence to David G. Schramm.

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Schramm, D.G., William Harris, V. Marital Quality and Income: An Examination of the Influence of Government Assistance. J Fam Econ Iss 32, 437–448 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-010-9212-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-010-9212-5

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