Criterion-related validity of the marital disaffection scale as a measure of marital estrangement

The Marital Disaffection Scale was administered, along with measures of positive feelings towards spouse, problem-drinking behavior of spouse, workaholic behavior of spouse, and marital status, to 323 female members of the American Counseling Association. Scores on the Marital Disaffection Scale showed significant inverse correlations (r=-.94) with positive feelings towards spouse and (r(pb)=-.63) with marital status. Scores on the Marital Disaffection Scale showed significant positive relationships (r=.36) with spouse's problem drinking behavior and (r=.48) with workaholic behavior of spouse. The results support the use of the Marital Disaffection Scale as a measure of emotional estrangement in marriage.