Marry and be happy: mapping the measurement of marital satisfaction

Abstract

Understanding conjugal satisfaction as a subjective evaluation of marital relationship, the objective of this paper is to present an overview of the literature on the subject, focusing the instruments and methods used by scientific studies to measure couples satisfaction. To carry out the integrative literature review the uniterm conjugal satisfaction was selected for the search in the LILACS and SciELO databases (1970-2008). 11 indexed articles were found. The use of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, developed by Spanier in 1976, was predominant among the articles. Other instruments used were: Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Strategies for Conflict Resolution and Communication (HSP – Health and Stress Profile); Evaluation of the Relationship of Hendrick Scale and the Satisfaction in the Mature Relationship Factorial Scale, the latter developed in Brazil with satisfactory psychometric indexes. The need of the development of national scales and the validation of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale to the Brazilian context is highlighted by this review in order to add qualified knowledge to the area and promote dialogue with the transcultural studies.