A study of factors contributing to marital satisfaction
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Date
2002
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Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate factors that contribute to marital satisfaction. The first aim related to these factors was to determine whether respondent demographics (gender, duration of marriage and presence of children) influence martial satisfaction. The second aim was to determine the extent to which the individual is satisfied with his/her marriage. The third aim was to establish an association between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction. The fourth aim was to determine the extent to which the perception of fairness in the division of labour contributes to marital satisfaction. To achieve these aims, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of married individuals.
The hypothesis that there would be no relationship between respondent demographics and marital satisfaction was upheld for gender and the presence of children, but was rejected for the number of years married. It was hypothesized that more respondents would report that they are not satisfied with their marriage than are satisfied with their marriage. This hypothesis was not supported by the statistical analyses and the findings of the study. Statistical analysis rejected the hypothesis that there is no relationship between marital satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. A significantly higher percentage of individuals who were satisfied with their marriage were also satisfied with their sexual relationship. This proved also to be true for those who were not satisfied with their marital and sexual relationship. The hypothesis that there is no relationship between the perception of fairness in
the division of household labour and marital satisfaction was not supported by statistical analysis. The above findings indicate that the aims of the study were met.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2002.
Keywords
Marriage--Psychological aspects, Married people--Attitudes, Satisfaction