Uncover the hidden beliefs that may be shaping your relationship satisfaction and long-term marital success.

Belief In Marital Myths Scale

How realistic is your take on marriage? Take this test to find out.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Many couples enter long-term partnerships with a set of beliefs that may actually do more harm than good. These misconceptions, often absorbed from media or upbringing, create a framework of expectations that real-life partners can rarely meet. By taking this assessment, you can identify which of these subtle ideas might be influencing your behavior and perceptions within your relationship.

Understanding the gap between romanticized myths and evidence-based reality is a vital step toward building a resilient bond. High scores in certain areas may indicate a susceptibility to unrealistic expectations, which are often linked to relationship satisfaction issues. This tool helps you pinpoint specific areas where a shift in perspective could lead to healthier communication and deeper intimacy.

Refining your outlook on partnership is an ongoing journey. If you find that your results suggest a high belief in these myths, you might also find it helpful to explore our Ineffective Arguing Inventory to see how these beliefs manifest during conflict. Use this report as a roadmap for targeted personal growth and authentic connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about three minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Belief In Marital Myths Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Belief In Marital Myths Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if my marriage is failing?: No, it is designed to measure your belief in certain ideas regarding marriage, some of which can be more harmful than helpful.
Can my results help improve my communication?: Yes, identifying these myths can help you recognize where you might be expecting your partner to "mind-read" or meet unrealistic standards.

Belief In Marital Myths Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Marital Expectations

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. For most long-term couples, the presence of intense romantic love is the primary requirement for happiness.

2. A healthy marriage should function as an equal 50-50 split at all times.

3. My spouse should be the primary person capable of fulfilling my emotional and social needs.

4. When couples face difficulties, they should handle them privately rather than seeking outside perspective.

5. If a partner truly loves me, they will intuitively understand my needs without me having to say a word.

6. My spouse is obligated to love me regardless of how I treat them, simply because of our marital bond.

7. Highlighting my spouse’s mistakes and shortcomings is an effective way to help them improve.

8. Love is a fixed state; nothing I do or say can truly change the way my partner feels about me.

9. Total transparency regarding every positive and negative thought is a good way to achieve marital happiness.

10. If a marriage is truly right, the relationship should be effortless and free of significant conflict.

11. I need to feel a renewed sense of affection for my partner before I can change how I act toward them.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Belief In Marital Myths Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Larson, J. H. (2006). Overcoming myths about marriage. Marriage and Families, 17(2), 1-9.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.