Attitudes About Marriage Index

Attitudes About Marriage Index

Attitudes About Marriage Index used in psychology are essential tools for clinical and research assessments. This post is based on dissertations submitted by students during their academic programs. At ‘Mental Health,’ we arrange and provide these resources to you. Here is the complete list of resources (Click Here). To access these materials, click on the ‘Avail File’ section below.”

Attitudes About Marriage Index
Attitudes About Marriage Index

About Attitudes About Marriage Index

The Attitudes About Marriage Index (AAMI) is a psychological assessment tool designed to explore individual attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions about marriage. Developed by Margolin and Foo (1992), this tool has been used in research studies to investigate how different beliefs about marriage can influence marital behavior, relationship satisfaction, and dynamics within intimate relationships. It is especially valuable in understanding how family background, cultural factors, and personal experiences shape attitudes towards marriage.

Purpose of the Tool

The primary purpose of the Attitudes About Marriage Index (AAMI) is to:

  • Assess attitudes and beliefs regarding marriage and marital roles.
  • Identify individuals’ expectations for marital relationships, including views on gender roles, conflict resolution, and emotional support.
  • Explore the influence of family of origin experiences on individuals’ beliefs about marriage.
  • Provide insights for researchers and clinicians in understanding the factors that may contribute to marital conflict, dissatisfaction, or aggression.
  • The tool is commonly used in research focused on relationship dynamics, family therapy, and clinical psychology to assess predispositions toward marital relationships.

Description of Tool

The Attitudes About Marriage Index was developed by Margolin and Foo (1992) as an unpublished instrument at the University of Southern California. It has been referenced in multiple studies, particularly those exploring marital aggression and the effects of family history on attitudes toward marriage. O’Hearn and Margolin (2000) expanded on this research by examining how men’s attitudes condoning marital aggression moderate the relationship between family-of-origin abuse and aggression toward female partners.

The AAMI is a self-report questionnaire that consists of items designed to assess various dimensions of attitudes about marriage. These dimensions include:

  • Traditional vs. modern views on marital roles, such as expectations about gender responsibilities.
  • Beliefs about marital conflict and its resolution, including the acceptance of aggression within marriage.
  • Perceptions of emotional support and intimacy in marriage.

Participants rate their level of agreement with each statement on a Likert-type scale (e.g., from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”). The tool is typically administered in research settings but can also be used in clinical assessments to better understand clients’ expectations and potential conflicts within marital relationships.

Psychometric Properties

The Attitudes About Marriage Index has been evaluated for its reliability and validity, although its psychometric properties have not been published as extensively as other standardized tools. Some key findings include:

  • Reliability: In studies utilizing the AAMI, the instrument has demonstrated adequate internal consistency, suggesting that it reliably measures attitudes about marriage across different populations.
  • Validity: O’Hearn and Margolin (2000) have shown that the AAMI is effective in identifying attitudes that may condone marital aggression, particularly in men. This highlights the tool’s predictive validity in research exploring the relationship between family-of-origin abuse and marital aggression.
  • Factor Analysis: While detailed factor analyses have not been widely published, the structure of the tool aligns with key theoretical constructs regarding marriage, such as traditional vs. modern marital roles and conflict resolution strategies.

Age Group

The Attitudes About Marriage Index is typically used with adults, particularly those in intimate relationships or considering marriage. It is suitable for both men and women, with some research focusing specifically on men’s attitudes toward marital aggression.

References

  • Margolin, G., & Foo, L. (1992). Attitudes About Marriage Index. Unpublished instrument. University of Southern California.
  • O’Hearn, H. G., & Margolin, G. (2000). Men’s attitudes condoning marital aggression: A moderator between family of origin abuse and aggression against female partners. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 24(2), 159-174.

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Reference File: Aggression-A11

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