Investigating the Relationship Between Marital Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Iranian Married Couples at the time of COVID-19 Pandemic

Fatemeh Pakdaman: BA in Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Maryam Latifiyan: PhD Student in Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Background: In the family system, as one of the main systems of society, the main and most important role is played by couples. Marital satisfaction is also one of the most important determinants of healthy functioning in the family that can be influenced by some factors. Quality of life can also affect marital satisfaction. In the present study, the relationship between marital satisfaction and quality of life of Iranian married couples at the time of COVID-19 pandemic was investigated.

Method: The present research is a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population of this study includes all Iranian married couples that 1434 (717 women and 717 men) were selected as a sample size from 31 provinces of the country by convenience sampling method, in 1399. In order to collect information, Enrich marital satisfaction scale and world health organization quality of life questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS20 statistical software using Spearman, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results: Most of the participants had a bachelors degree (41.7%), they were also in the age range of 20-30 years (32.6%) and also most of them had two children (85.8%). The results of 1434 completed questionnaires (717 women and 717 married men) showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between quality of life and marital satisfaction. Also, the components of number of children, age, duration of marriage, psychological dimension of quality of life and social relations of quality of life predict 48% of marital satisfaction. Marital satisfaction is significantly different between men and women, different occupational groups and different provinces, but no significant difference was seen in different educational levels.

Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrated the importance of paying attention to family issues and marital satisfaction and in this regard, training marital communication skills and improving all aspects of quality of life is essential.

Keywords: quality of life, marital satisfaction, couples in Iran, COVID-19 pandemic