Question 1

According to the text,marriages are more successful if they are based on expectations that are:

Accepted Answer

Marriages that are based on realistic expectations are more likely to be successful because both partners have a clear understanding of what they can expect from each other and the relationship. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and conflict. Cultural acceptability, idealism, and research may contribute to a successful marriage, but they are not as crucial as having realistic expectations.

Question 2

Which of the following have researchers found to be one of the processes that can predict divorce?

Accepted Answer

According to research, defensiveness is a communication pattern that can increase the risk of divorce. When partners become defensive during conflicts, it can lead to a cycle of blaming, justifying, and denying responsibility that damages the relationship over time.

Question 3

Which of the following was mentioned in the text as a caution regarding need fulfillment?

Accepted Answer

The text mentions that mutual need fulfillment is important for a successful marriage, implying that one partner fulfilling all the needs of the other partner is not sufficient. The other answer choices are incorrect.

Question 4

According to John Gottman,couples who are happy in their marriage are ______ to use negative affect reciprocity.

Accepted Answer

Couples who are happy in their marriage are unlikely to use negative affect reciprocity, which is a pattern of communication in which one partner's negative behavior is met with negative behavior from the other partner.

Question 5

Based on findings from a national study of over 21,000 couples,family life researcher David Olson advises that a happy marriage requires:

Accepted Answer

According to the findings from the national study, the key to a happy marriage is paying positive attention to the relationship. This suggests that giving attention and investing time and effort into the relationship is important for maintaining marital happiness. Accepting a decrease in romance, agreeing rather than having conflict, and being nice no matter what are not mentioned as essential factors for a happy marriage in the given information.

Question 6

Marriage researcher John Gottman concluded that in an unhappy marriage,if one partner says something negative,the other partner tends to:

Accepted Answer

According to the research by John Gottman, in an unhappy marriage, if one partner says something negative, the other partner tends to reciprocate negatively. This creates a negative cycle of communication, leading to further disputes and unhappiness in the marriage.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the four measures for successful marriage discussed in the text?

Accepted Answer

Unconditional love is not listed as one of the four measures for successful marriage in the text.

Question 8

The four processes that can predict divorce,called the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" by John Gottman,include all but:

Accepted Answer

The four processes that can predict divorce, as identified by John Gottman, are criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt. Selfishness is not one of the four processes.

Question 9

John and Mary have a happy marriage.John came in from work today in a grumpy mood.According to John Gottman,how will Mary perceive his behavior?

Accepted Answer

John and Mary have a happy marriage, and according to John Gottman's research, in a happy marriage, partners are more likely to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Mary would perceive John's behavior as a result of a hard day at work, rather than as a reflection of his overall character or their relationship.

Question 10

The text points out that many couples consider sex and feelings of intimacy to be:

Accepted Answer

The text states that "for many couples, sex and feelings of intimacy are inextricably linked, so sex is an important way to feel emotionally close." This suggests that the two are seen as interdependent aspects of a relationship.

Question 11

The term "marital satisfaction" refers to:

Accepted Answer

Marital satisfaction refers to how happy both people are in a marriage. It is a subjective measure of overall happiness in the relationship, and encompasses multiple factors such as communication, intimacy, trust, and conflict resolution. While sexual fulfillment can be a component of marital satisfaction, it is not the only factor and is not synonymous with the term.

Question 12

Researchers have found that women consider sexual ______ to be most important.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that women often prioritize emotional connection and intimacy in their sexual relationships, viewing these aspects as crucial for a fulfilling sexual experience.

Question 13

The text uses the term intimacy to refer to:

Accepted Answer

The text defines intimacy as "the experience of closeness that occurs in a relationship, including feelings of connection and bonding." This goes beyond sexual contact and also includes emotional and psychological closeness, as well as a sense of shared experiences and mutual understanding. While commitment and interaction may be aspects of an intimate relationship, they are not equivalent to intimacy itself.

Question 14

The text points out that a marriage that is ______ is not necessarily successful.

Accepted Answer

A marriage that is durable, meaning it lasts a long time, is not necessarily successful in terms of happiness, satisfaction, or ideality. Durability refers to the length of the marriage, not its quality.

Question 15

A successful marriage is defined as one that:

Accepted Answer

A successful marriage is one that fulfills both partners' reasonable expectations. It is not necessary that a successful marriage lasts forever or does not require counseling as every relationship has its ups and downs. Also, the definition of a successful marriage can vary from person to person and cannot be limited to the researchers' definition.

Question 16

Studies have found that married people get older,their desire for physical closeness and affection:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that as married people get older, their desire for physical closeness and affection continues to be a strong need. This contradicts common misconceptions that older couples are less interested in physical intimacy.

Question 17

Which of the following terms refers to the extent to which couples are content and fulfilled in their relationships?

Accepted Answer

Marital satisfaction refers to the level of contentment and fulfillment in a couple's relationship. Marital success can encompass a range of factors, such as length of marriage, financial stability, or parenting achievements, but does not necessarily indicate how happy the couple is in their relationship. Commitment refers to the dedication and loyalty that partners have to each other and their relationship. Nonconditional reinforcement is a psychological term referring to rewarding behavior without any predetermined criteria, and is not directly related to marital satisfaction.

Question 18

Which of the following have NOT been established by researchers as true regarding the relationship between sex and a happy marriage?

Accepted Answer

Research has not established that happy marriages always result in sexual satisfaction. While sexual satisfaction is often an important part of a happy marriage, it is not always necessary for a successful relationship.

Question 19

Research shows that ______ couples typically have sex more frequently.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that young couples generally have sex more frequently compared to older couples, as sexual activity tends to decrease with age.

Question 20

Expecting one's needs to be met in a successful marriage is:

Accepted Answer

It is possible for one's needs to be met to some degree in a successful marriage, but it may not always be possible for every need to be met all the time. It is important for couples to communicate openly and work together to meet each other's needs in the best way possible. However, expecting every need to be met all the time can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction in the relationship.

Quiz 6: Qualities of a Successful Marriage