Predictive power of emotional intelligence and Components emotional intelligence on marital satisfaction of young couples

It is believed that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can affect on Marital Satisfaction (MS). This study was conducted to examine predictive power of EQ on marital satisfaction of young married people in Zabol city (southeast of Iran).

A hundred of zaboli young couples (100 men and 100 women), who referred to marital counseling center of zabol, recruited non-randomly during spring and summer of 2012. Participants ranged in age from 17 to 40. The information was collected using Emotional Intelligence Scale and Marital Satisfaction Inventory. For analyzing the data Pearson's correlation and regression analysis were employed.

The findings showed positive and significant correlations between EQ and Marital Satisfaction (MS) for both women (r =607/0, p <0001/0) and men (r =743/0, p <0001/0). The predictive power of EQ for prediction of marital satisfaction was statistically significant and this predictive power was higher for men than for women. And also the components of the stress management, interpersonal and intrapersonal in men and component Public mood in women, highest were correlated with marital satisfaction.

Because of positive correlations between EQ and MS in young couples, the EQ, thus, must be considered as an important and influential variable for improving marital satisfaction of people who decide to marry. Focusing on EQ during assessment and providing counseling services for couples highly suggested.