Premarital Preparation Theory Test | Predict Your Marriage Risk and Readiness

I. Theoretical Basis of the Test

This test is not designed out of thin air, but is based on the psychological community's recognized Gottman's marital prediction theory (The Gottman Method) and the PREP Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program).

Dr. John Gottman, through tracking research on thousands of couples over 40 years, found that signs of divorce often appear even before the wedding. He proposed the famous 'Four Horsemen' (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling) and the concept of 'Sliding Door Moments,' pointing out that whether a couple can keenly capture each other's emotional needs is the key to the survival of the relationship.

At the same time, this test integrates Attachment Theory, examining both sides' reaction patterns under pressure (secure, anxious, or avoidant), as well as Family Systems Theory, exploring the hidden influence of the family of origin on intimate relationships.

II. What Is Premarital Readiness?

Premarital readiness (Marriage Readiness) is not just about deep feelings, but about whether both sides, before entering the marriage contract, have the ability to handle differences, manage conflict, and build a shared vision.

Many couples hide their disagreements during the honeymoon phase, and only face a crisis after marriage when dealing with daily necessities. True readiness is shown in: Are you willing to expose your vulnerabilities? Can you have honest conversations about taboo topics such as money, sex, and child-rearing? And when conflict arises, do you try to 'win over' the other, or solve the problem together?

III. The Four Core Dimensions of This Test

Based on the above theories, we break down premarital risk into four key dimensions, with 18 questions in total:

• Communication and Conflict Patterns: How do you handle disagreements? Is it constructive discussion, or falling into blame and stonewalling? This corresponds to the 'conflict resolution ability' in Gottman's theory.
• Values and Bottom-Line Compatibility: It involves views on money, views on childbearing, and boundaries with the family of origin. The degree of consensus between the two sides on these deep issues determines the marriage's ability to withstand pressure.
• Attachment Security and Trust: When you feel uneasy or ignored, do you react by seeking closeness, or by withdrawing and avoiding? This reflects whether your attachment styles match.
• Role Expectations and Life Planning: Are your definitions of the 'husband/wife' role consistent? Have you clearly negotiated future career plans, the city you will live in, and the division of housework?

IV. Purpose and Target Audience

This test aims to help couples 'see' the differences hidden by passion, rather than to create panic. It is especially suitable for:

• Couples in the engagement or marriage-planning stage
• Partners who feel they can never 'agree' on certain issues
• Soon-to-be newlyweds who want to scientifically assess the quality of their relationship from a psychological perspective
• Rationalists who want to prevent marriage crises in advance

V. Scoring and Result Interpretation

Each question uses a 1–5 scale, from 'very inaccurate' to 'very accurate.' The system will calculate your scores across the four dimensions and, based on the total score range and dimension features, classify your relationship state into three typical types and provide targeted improvement suggestions.