ABSTRACT
In an effort to understand marital quality better, Bill Strom (2003) developed a measure of personal virtues. Virtue is defined as “being and doing good” whereas vice represents the opposite, the act of “being and doing ill.” Virtue (and vice) are evidenced in behaviors, emotions, willful acts, and intentional rational decisions. From a review of the marital communication literature, Strom identified five personal virtues that have been identified as contributing to quality marriages: self-control (in control of one’s impulses), wisdom (ability to know and do the right thing), humility (ability to self-assess), industry (mature work ethic), and faithfulness (committed and true).
