In addition to gender, SES, usually measured by education and income, has been a focus of divorce research. Prior studies indicate that education and income facilitate marital success (Voydanoff, 1991). Education pro- motes more effective communication between couples, thus helping them to resolve differences. In contrast, the stress generated by economic hard- ship increases disagreements over finances, makes spouses irritable, and
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decreases expressions of emotional support (Conger et al., 1990). Partly for these reasons, SES is inversely associated with the risk of divorce (White, 1991). Nevertheless, well-educated individuals may hold espe- cially high standards for marriage and expect a substantial level of emo- tional support, companionship, and personal fulfillment from their spouses. Because of these high standards, relationship problems may trigger thoughts of divorce relatively quickly among well-educated individuals.