This study examines the change that occurs over the course of long-term marriages as well as thematic analysis of factors that contributed to the success of respondents’ marriages. A self-report short-form marital assessment was given to each spouse in long-lasting marriages to ask how aspects of the relationship have changed over time. An expanded group of couples in 50+ year marriages were asked an open-ended question about what has made their marriage successful. Quantitative analysis reveals statistically significant differences over time, while thematic analysis reveals 4 key themes in the responses about marital success.

1. Standing the Test of Time:
Interpersonal Relationship
Patterns from 50+ year Marriages
2012 TCFR Conference
Matthew J. Dodd, Ph.D.

2. Methodology
Quantitative Survey – 6-item marital assessment
1. Happiness (satisfaction) with marriage
2. Desire to improve (fix) marriage
3. Level of conflict in marriage
4. Feelings of emotional closeness
5. Intellectually stimulating conversation
6. Physical intimacy
Qualitative Data – Open-ended question:
“What has made your marriage successful?”

3. Participants
Quantitative Survey – 6-item marital assessment
• 10 married couples
• Average length of marriage = 53 years
Qualitative Data – Open-ended question:
• 36 married couples
• Average length of marriage = 58.9 years
• All couples married more than 50 years

4. Results
Criteria Early Years Currently
1. Happiness with marriage High  Very
High
2. Desire to improve marriage quality Very High  High
3. Amount of conflict in the marriage Low  Very Low
4. Feelings of emotional closeness High = High
5. Intellectually stimulating conversation High  Moderate
6. Physical intimacy in the marriage Very High  Moderate

5. Results
Themes from Open-Ended Responses:
1. Faith/Trust/Hope in God/Church – 23
responses (30%)
2. Love – 18 responses (23.7%)
3. Dedication/Commitment to Each Other – 13
responses (17.1%)
4. Good/Great/Nice/Terrific Spouse – 12
responses (15.7%)

6. Discussion
Over the course of the long-term marriage:
• Happiness increases
• The desire to improve/fix marriage diminishes
slightly
• The amount of conflict becomes even less
• Emotional closeness stays the same
• Intellectually stimulating conversation decreases
• Physical intimacy decreases