Abstract
The first purpose of this study was to identify significant differences between the dual-career couple whose work requires a geographic separation and the dual-career couple whose work allows them to maintain one residence. Specific comparisons included general marital satisfaction, use of parallel communication, attributional patterns, and general vocational satisfaction. The second purpose of this study was to identify variables that predict vocational and marital satisfaction for the commuting and non-commuting couples. The sample consisted of 55 commuters and 55 non-commuters. Instruments utilized were the Marital Satisfaction Inventory, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Relationship Style Inventory, and two instruments designed for the study. There were no differences between commuters and non-commuters or between men and women on a global measure of marital satisfaction. Commuters were more dissatisfied with time spent together and with affectional communication. Commuters were more non-traditional in their perceptions of marital and parental roles. Non-commuters had a higher proportion of parallel communications. There were no differences on attribution measures or on global vocational satisfaction. Marital satisfaction was best predicted by parallel communication for both groups; however, there was a much stronger relationship for commuters. Vocational satisfaction for both groups was predicted by satisfaction with job security. Counseling strategies for use with problems faced by commuters are discussed.
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This article is based on the doctoral dissertation of the first author under the supervision of the second author. A preliminary version of this paper was presented at the XIIth International Roundtable for the Advancement of Counseling, Lund, Sweden, June 1986.
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Govaerts, K., Dixon, D.N. ... until careers do us part: Vocational and marital satisfaction in the dual-career commuter marriage. Int J Adv Counselling 11, 265–281 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00117685
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00117685