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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1:

Kulik, L. (2006). The impact of spousal variables on life satisfaction of individuals in late adulthood: The Israeli case. International Journal of Comparative Sociology, 47(1), 54-72.

Abstract:

We examine whether homogamy (similarity) in socio-demographic variables and personality traits in late adulthood is greater among couples characterized by high life satisfaction than among those characterized by low life satisfaction. The research sample included 256 participants (128 husbands and 128 wives) in Israel. The findings on homogamy in socio-demographic variables reveal no differences between participants in the ‘high’ and ‘low’ satisfaction groups. However, with regard to personality traits (self-esteem and anxiety), there are differences between participants in ‘high’ and ‘low’ satisfaction groups. In the high satisfaction group, the husbands (and the wives to some extent) have more similar personality traits than their counterparts in the low satisfaction group. In general, the findings reveal greater similarity in socio-demographic variables than in personality traits among the spouses. The findings also indicate that in late adulthood wives are less satisfied with life, have higher anxiety, and lower self-esteem than their husbands.

Questions to Consider:

1. Discuss the concept of homogamy and how it relates to life satisfaction in late adulthood.
2. Explain the implications of self-esteem and anxiety in late adult life satisfaction.
3. Describe the relevance of diverse family patterns in counseling clients in late adulthood.