A PRELIMINARY THEORY OF MARITAL STABILITY: TWO MODELS

The present paper attempts to organize parsimoniously the literature (theo retical and empirical )related to a central issue in the area of the family. Specifically, an attempt is made to develop a preliminary theory about marital stability. Two models are set forth in an attempt to generate the theory. The theoretical constructs of the first model emerge out of reviewing the research in the area of marital stability and utilizing a technique referred to as "retroduction." The second is developed from other work in social psychology; specifically Homan's and Thibaut and Kelley's conceptualization of social exchange theory and Newcomb's theory of interpersonal attraction. The result is that a preliminary theory of marital stability is set forth. Using the above procedures, the model set forth can be modified and expanded when new data are introduced into the discipline without destroying the emerging frame work.