Final answer:
Financial stress is the most consistent factor negatively impacting marital satisfaction, with other stressors including the addition of children, diverging values over time, and power dynamics related to household labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research has shown that the most consistent factor to negatively impact marital satisfaction is financial stress. This is particularly evident from studies indicating that couples with insufficient assets are 70 percent more likely to divorce within three years compared to those with more secure financial footing. Financial stress is often associated with factors like low income, which may be correlated with age and education level.
Moreover, the addition of children can intensify financial and emotional strain, particularly with the birth of the first child or multiples, which has been linked to a higher divorce rate. Similarly, as couples grow older, they may discover that their values and life goals diverge, contributing to declines in marital satisfaction. Household labor disputes and power dynamics within the marriage can also play a significant role in marital conflict and satisfaction.