Marital satisfaction predictors: The case of Kermanshah and Hamadan cities, west of Iran

This study aimed to assess the predictive factors of marital satisfaction among married people in Kermanshah and Hamadan cities, Iran.

The present mixed study (sequential exploratory plan) was carried out in two stages. In the first stage (qualitative), using purposive sampling method, 67 married men and women who had successful marriage interviewed. The content analysis method was used to analyze the interview data, and 20 factors were identified. Then, in the second stage (quantitative), a 116-items researcher-made questionnaire prepared to measure the possible effect of these 20 factors. Then, 372 married people were selected using multi-stage sampling method from Hamadan (200 case) and Kermanshah (172 case). The participants fulfilled the Enrich's Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire and Researcher-Made Questionnaire of Marital Satisfaction Factors. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and step-wise regression.

The variables of expressing of feelings, trust, realism/acceptance, and respect were the most important predictors of marital satisfaction among married people of Hamadan city these variables explained 60% of the variance of marital satisfaction. While, the most important predictors in couples of Kermanshah were expressing of feelings, trust, and respect. They explained 31% of variance. Moreover, expressing of feelings, trust, respect, consultation, appreciation and expressing satisfaction with life respectively were the most important predictors of marital satisfaction among all couples and explained 51% of the variance of marital satisfaction.

Based on the findings, expressing of feelings, trust, respect, consultation, appreciation and expressing satisfaction with life can predict marital satisfaction.