The more _________________ Charlotte is, the less likely she is to end her marriage.

• A. Independent
• B. Dependent on her partner
• C. Self-reliant
• D. Assertive

Answer: (B)

This item examines how dependence within a marriage affects its stability. When Charlotte becomes more dependent on her partner for emotional or financial support, she has greater investment in the relationship and fewer viable alternatives. That makes the costs of leaving higher and the commitment to staying stronger, so she is less likely to end the marriage.

Independence or self-reliance would typically increase a person’s ability to leave and explore other options, while being assertive suggests taking action, which could include leaving; neither would generally predict a reduced likelihood of divorce. So the idea that increasing dependence decreases the chance of ending the marriage best fits how interdependence shapes commitment.