Author: Syeda Muqeet-ul-Wara
Supervisor: Rafia Rafique, PhD
Degree: M.Sc
Year: 2014-2016
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present study was conducted to find out the relationship between relational communication and marital satisfaction in young married couples. Furthermore, it was proposed to investigate the predictors of marital satisfaction. Correlational research design was used in which sample of 50 couples were taken through convenient sampling technique. Relational Communication Scale (RCS) by (Burgoon & Hale, 1984) and The Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI) by (Funk & Rogge, 2007) were used to measure the study variables. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was conducted to assess the relationship between the study variables. Results revealed that relational communication and its dimensions have a significant positive relationship with marital satisfaction except the dimension of formality as it was found to have a significant negative relationship with marital satisfaction in young married couples. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to find out the predictors of marital satisfaction. The results showed that relational communication, its two dimensions (trust and equality), demographic variables (age at marriage, family system and overall monthly income) are significant predictors of marital satisfaction in young married couples. The spousal differences were analyzed by using paired sample t-test. The findings revealed that there are no spousal differences between relational communication, its dimensions and marital satisfaction in young married couples except the dimension of similarity. The study holds implications for further researches in Pakistan and highlights the importance of relational communication styles for a better and satisfied marital relationship. The study holds implications for clinical psychologists and marital counselors.
Keywords: Relational Communication, Marital Satisfaction, Spousal Differences.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
