Correlates of Marital Satisfaction of Indian Married Couples: An Exploratory Study

Marital satisfaction proves to be a crucial factor in recent times in the Indian context to reduce divorce rates, and to promote stable and secure relationships. Existing literature suggests that factors such as Personality, Physical attractiveness and Adjustment contribute to better marital satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between Personality, Physical Attractiveness, Adjustment Patterns and Marital satisfaction among married individuals. This cross-sectional research included 60 married individuals (30 males and 30 females), who were recruited using purposive sampling. Marital satisfaction was found to have a significant positive correlation with Decision making (r=0.41), Values (r=0.29), Affection (r=0.32), Stability (r=0.53), Conflict (r=0.27), Discussion (r=0.43), Behavioral Dimension (r=0.56), Emotional dimension (r=0.45) and Conscientiousness (r=0.51). Marital satisfaction presented a significant negative correlation with Neuroticism (r=-0.34). Linear regression revealed that Consensus, Conscientiousness and Behavioral Dimension significantly predicted marital satisfaction. The present study highlights the importance of personality, adjustment patterns, and physical attractiveness for a healthy marital relationship. Social skills training, assertiveness training and mindful awareness during the marital relationship and communication would strengthen the marital satisfaction among married individuals.