Spouses' scores were averaged to create a couple score. The mean couple score for the

violated expectations measure was -.39.

 Marital disaffection scores could range from 21 to 84. The average level of marital

disaffection reported by the couples in this study was 29.72. The scale's author did not

provide the mean or standard deviation attained in her random sample survey of 354

married participants; however, she did describe the percentage of the sample whose

scores fell into several ranges (Kayser, 1996). In Kayser's study, 35% of the sample

scored between 21 and 26 on the scale, 31% scored between 27 and 34, 14% scored

between 35 and 42, 12% scored between 43 and 54, and 8% scored between 55 and 84. In

the present study, 38.6% of the couples scored between 21 and 26 on the scale, 38.6%

scored between 27 and 34, 16.7% scored between 35 and 42, 5.3% scored between 43

and 54, and .8% scored between 55 and 84. Kayser suggested a cut-off score, with 43 and

above indicating some level of disaffection. In Kayser's study, 20% of the sample

reported disaffection levels at or above the cutoff whereas only slightly more than 6% of

the couples in the present investigation reported disaffection levels of this magnitude.

 Within a possible range of 0 to 100, the average couple score obtained with this

sample for the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) measuring individual well-being was

69.12, similar to the average score reported by the Rand Corporation of 70.38 (Rand

Health, n.d.). Husbands' average score for individual well-being was 72.52 and wives'

average score was 72.76, both slightly above Rand's reported average. Causing the

couple score to fall slightly below Rand's reported average were discrepancies in

partners' levels of individual well-being. While 21 couples had individual-well-being

scores for both spouses below Rand's reported mean, 33 couples included wives above