Study of life experiences in married couples
By: Karen Ericksen Paige
Published: 1974
Language: eng
Format: computer file /
Subjects: Married people; Psychology; Economic conditions
Description: This survey attempts to characterize the overall psychological and economic profile of married life.

A total of 61 couples from a middle-class community within the Oakland, California metropolitan area were interviewed in the summer of 1974. This group was selected to constitute a representative sample of the population of white couples of that region between 30-44 years of age, married at least five years, and in which both partners have attained at least one year of high school. In addition, couples selected for the survey fulfilled one of the following sets of conditions -- either the couple was: (1) childless and both spouses worked at least 20 hours per week; (2) had children living at home and both spouses worked at least 20 hours per week; or (3) had children living at home, but only the husband worked full-time.

Topics covered in the extensive interview included the following: basic family and demographic information, educational history and attitudes, religious preferences and behavior, occupational history, effects of work on the marriage, the problems and advantages of child rearing, a daily chores and activities inventory, social life, and sexual behavior.

Not all of the information collected in the married couples survey is available. The data that are available are indicated by notations in the copy of the interview schedule on file at the Murray Center. A portion of the data is computer-accessible.
Notes: Sample characteristics: sample size: 51-100; time: 70s; race: White; age: 30-39, 40-49; number of generations: 1; gender: female, male; ses: middle.

Data collection methods: design: survey; length of data collection: na; measures: interview.

Follow-up possible: no; follow-up available: no.