The Role of Personality Traits in Predicting Relationship Satisfaction and Conflict Resolution Styles among Married Couples

Abstract

Background: The evolving social norms and the changing expectations in the relationships has transformed the dynamics of marital relationships today, leading towards new challenges including the increased rates of divorce. The keys to happy and stable marriages include higher marital satisfaction and good communication within couples especially in terms of conflict resolution, both of which can be influenced by several emotional, psychological and interpersonal factors. Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore whether Personality Traits can predict Relationship Satisfaction and Conflict Resolution Styles among married couples. Methods: The research utilized a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional and correlational design. A sample of 191 married participants, between the ages of 19 – 35 living Karachi, were recruited for the study. A demographic sheet along with the Big Five Inventory (BFI), Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-32) and Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI) were employed for the process of data collection. For the statistical analyses, Descriptive Statistics, Pearson’s Correlation and Multiple linear regression were conducted. Moreover, to confirm suitability of the scales, reliability analyses were also performed. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that Openness (β=0.27, t=3.83, p<0.05), Agreeableness (β=0.21, t=2.67, p<0.05) and Neuroticism (β=-0.23, t=-2.97, p<0.05) were the significant predictors of relationship satisfaction. While Openness (r=0.301, p<0.01) and Agreeableness (r=0.302, p<0.01) were positively correlated, neuroticism (r=-0.272, p<0.01) demonstrated a negative relationship. In addition, Conflict resolution Styles were significantly and solely predicted by Agreeableness with a negative association (β=- 0.30, t=-3.73, p<0.05). Neuroticism displayed a positive correlation with Conflict engagement (r=0.204, p<0.01) and Withdrawal (r=0.225 p<0.01), while Agreeableness was only positively correlated with Positive Problem-Solving (r=0.189, p<0.01). Conclusion: Though, certain limitations exist, the research offers valuable insights that could be useful in the fields of relationship counselling and education.