A Financial Issue, a Relationship Issue, or Both? Examining the Predictors of Marital Financial Conflflict

Keywords

Dew, Stewart, marital financial conflict

Abstract

This study examines whether financial conflict arises because of financial difficulties, marital problems, or both. Using a recent nationally representative sample of over 1500 married couples, this study finds that economic pressure, communication issues, and deeper “hidden” issues within marriage are all associated with financial conflict. Specifically, economic pressure is positively associated with financial conflict. When spouses report satisfying communication, respect, commitment, and fairness and have equal levels of economic power, they report lower levels of financial conflict. These results suggest that financial conflict is a complex marital phenomenon that both marital therapists and financial counselors may help reduce.

Original Publication Citation

Dew, J. P., & Stewart, R.* (2012). A financial issue, a relationship issue, or both? Examining the predictors of marital financial conflict. Journal of Financial Therapy, 3(1), 43–61.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2012

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7332

Publisher

Journal of Financial Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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