Date of Submission

2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Alexa Bonacquisti, PhD, PMH-C

Second Advisor

Ashley Poole, PsyD

Third Advisor

Jill Swirsky, PhD

Abstract

Marriage is a significant, complex life event that most international and U.S. adults experience. Marriage offers numerous opportunities for decision-making, including the marital surname change choice. A woman may choose to adopt her husband’s surname (i.e., Changers), keep her birth surname (i.e., Keepers), or an alternative (i.e., Creatives). Enduring societal norms and traditions are reflected in most women who are Changers. Conversations surrounding marital surname change choice may offer insight into the couple’s agreement on the ultimate decision, referred to in this study as name decision match (NDM), a novel concept. The purpose of the study was to analyze women’s marital surname choices, the decision-making process, and greater associated impact. The study also introduced and explored NDM, and evaluated the impact of name change choice on marital satisfaction, quality of life, and gender role attitudes. This study utilized a cross-sectional, mixed methods design and included 270 internet-recruited participants who were adult, self-identified cisgender women currently married legally to self-identified cisgender men. Participants responded via the Marital Name Change Survey and three embedded measures. Results revealed a statistically significant relationship between marital satisfaction and NDM, a statistically significant effect of name change choice on gender role attitudes, and offered additional qualitative insights. Findings suggest that most women adhere to norms as Changers, even if they reported many facets of Keepers or Creatives. Future research can include longitudinal studies on marital surname change norms, patterns, and impact; further explore NDM; and study marital surname change decisions in additional populations.

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