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Perceived Partner's Self-Control and Social Support Effects on Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Experiencing
Anna Wendołowska1, Ewa Kiełek-Rataj2, Alicja Kalus2
1Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, 30-060 Krakow, Poland.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Perceived self-control in partners significantly boosts marital satisfaction for couples facing infertility or miscarriage. Social support further strengthens this positive relationship, enhancing relationship quality during difficult times.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Infertility and miscarriage create unpredictable stress, lowering partners' sense of control and increasing anxiety.
- High stress and anxiety negatively impact quality of life, infertility treatment outcomes, and miscarriage risks.
- Understanding factors influencing marital satisfaction is crucial for supporting couples through reproductive challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between a partner's perceived self-control and marital satisfaction.
- To explore the moderating role of coping strategies, specifically social support, in this relationship.
- To apply the actor-partner interdependence model to analyze these dynamics in couples experiencing infertility or miscarriage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the actor-partner interdependence model.
- Studied 90 heterosexual married couples undergoing infertility treatment or experiencing miscarriage.
- Assessed perceived self-control, marital satisfaction, and coping strategies, including social support.
Main Results:
- Higher perceived partner self-control was associated with increased marital satisfaction for both men and women.
- This effect was slightly diminished when controlling for marriage duration.
- The influence of perceived partner self-control on marital satisfaction was moderated by the use of social support.
Conclusions:
- Perceived partner self-control is a significant factor in maintaining marital satisfaction for couples dealing with infertility and miscarriage.
- Social support acts as a crucial moderator, amplifying the positive impact of perceived self-control on relationship satisfaction.
- Interventions focusing on enhancing perceived self-control and promoting social support may benefit couples facing reproductive difficulties.
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