Challenging Norms: Marital Satisfaction and Diverging Priorities of Voluntarily Child-Free and Parenting Couples in A Pronatalist Society

This study focuses on the impact of the individuals’ political beliefs on their marital relationships and satisfaction when the two are of opposite opinions. The study used an exploratory sequential research design where two phases were used: A qualitative phase with semi structured interviews from eight married persons (four males and four females) and a quantitative phase that involved a survey of 150 married persons (75 males and 75 females with varying political opinions with regards to their partners). In interviews, key themes were derived through thematic analysis, which consisted of intense political allegiance, political polarization, communication challenge and its effect on marital quality. To quantify the relationships, Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32) and the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMSS) were used to measure relationship satisfaction. Further, Statistical analyses such as t-tests and ANOVA, revealed that those with opposite political opinion from one’s spouse had lower marital satisfaction and quality, but marital satisfaction remains similar among men and women. But women viewed their marriages as lower in quality compared to men. The more political affiliations were tied to strength, the more associated it was with marital distress. According to the researchers, political differences have the potential to cause a significant amount of conflict and decrease intimacy within relationships, and thus require better relationships strategies when relationships are politically polarized partners.

Background and objective: Marital satisfaction is to adapt between the person current status in marital relations to the situation he is expected and quality of life is defined differently by researchers and affected a variety of factors such as personal perceptions, emotions, culture, education and religious beliefs, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy and marital satisfaction and quality of life of married women 30 to 40 years in Mashhad. Methods: : The research method is Regression study in which 70 married women 30 to 40 years old in Mashhad with multi-stage cluster sampling method were selected to investigate the relationship between health literacy and marital satisfaction and quality of life. To collect data, Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire, quality of Life short form of the World Health Organization, and Questionnaire of Functional Health Literacy Adults (test of functional health literacy in adults, TOFHLA) were used. Results: The results of descriptive analysis and selection married women were referred to clinics in Mashhad showed that there was a significant positive relationship between health literacy and marital satisfaction of married women (p<0.05). As well as showed significant positive correlation between health literacy and quality of life of married women (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on these findings, between the rate of health literacy, quality of life and marital satisfaction of married women was significant relationship. Therefore, inadequate health literacy affects the rate of marital satisfaction and quality of life married women, create educational opportunities for women in order to improve the health literacy is an effective step in improving marital satisfaction and quality of life. Paper Type: Research Article.

Background and objective: Marital satisfaction is to adapt between the person current status in marital relations to the situation he is expected and quality of life is defined differently by researchers and affected a variety of factors such as personal perceptions, emotions, culture, education and religious beliefs, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy and marital satisfaction and quality of life of married women 30 to 40 years in Mashhad. Methods: : The research method is Regression study in which 70 married women 30 to 40 years old in Mashhad with multi-stage cluster sampling method were selected to investigate the relationship between health literacy and marital satisfaction and quality of life. To collect data, Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire, quality of Life short form of the World Health Organization, and Questionnaire of Functional Health Literacy Adults (test of functional health literacy in adults, TOFHLA) were used. Results: The results of descriptive analysis and selection married women were referred to clinics in Mashhad showed that there was a significant positive relationship between health literacy and marital satisfaction of married women (p<0.05). As well as showed significant positive correlation between health literacy and quality of life of married women (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on these findings, between the rate of health literacy, quality of life and marital satisfaction of married women was significant relationship. Therefore, inadequate health literacy affects the rate of marital satisfaction and quality of life married women, create educational opportunities for women in order to improve the health literacy is an effective step in improving marital satisfaction and quality of life. Paper Type: Research Article.

This research examined the relationship between marital satisfaction, attachment styles and quality of life among married women. It was hypothesized that there would be a relationship between marital satisfaction and quality of life and attachment styles are likely to moderate between them. Quantitative correlational survey research design was used to conduct the research. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to collect data from 80 married women age ranging from 25-45 years (M=32; SD=1.2). Demographic sheet, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (Olson &amp; Fowers, 1993), Adult Attachment Scale (Collins &amp; Read, 1990), and WHOQOL-BREF (WHO, 1997) were used to collect data. Results revealed that marital satisfaction and secure attachment style were positively correlated to quality of life along with four domains. Secure attachment style act as a moderator between marital satisfaction and physical, environmental health and social relationships. Finding of this study has implications for mothers in understanding how their interactions influence children.

Background and Aim: The levels of premarital interactions strongly affect marital satisfaction and the continuity and quality of marital life after marriage; Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of marriage based on social and economic criteria on the satisfaction and quality of married life among married women in Tehran. Method: The present study is an applied research done with a questionnaire and a survey method. The statistical population of this study consists of all married women in Tehran in regions 1, 2, 6, 8, 12, and 384 people were calculated as a sample population through Cochran's formula. Enrich's standard questionnaires of marital satisfaction and quality of life are used in this study. Data analysis was performed in descriptive and inferential, and regression tests and SPSS software were used to test the hypotheses. Results: showed that the variables of education, social relationship, economic status, parenting, and personality traits of the spouse affect the satisfaction and quality of life of couples. Conclusion: As a result, it should be said that just having one condition is not enough to have a good and ideal life, and in order to have a successful, stable, and lasting marital life, one should look at a set of characteristics together and community officials. They should do their best to eliminate disruptive and problematic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and inappropriate norms.

INTRODUCTION:Employed women experience a wide range of stresses that will potentially impact on their quality of life, mental status, and marital satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the above components in employed women.METHODS:The statistical population of this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was 124 married employed women of Khorramabad Health Center. The WHO Standard Questionnaire (SF-36), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (COHEN questionnaire), Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (ENRICH questionnaire 47), and Demographic Information Questionnaire were used to collect data. Information was analyzed by SPSS software.RESULTS:Most of the participants in the research had a good (45/2%) and very good (34/7%) quality of life. Most of them reported high (57/1%) and very high (15/3%) levels of marital satisfaction. Furthermore, the majority of women participating in the study had a low level (64/5%) of perceived stress. There was a significant inverse correlation between perceived stress and marital satisfaction (r = −0/446, P < 0.001) and quality of life (r = −0/612, P < 0.05). There was a direct correlation between marital satisfaction and quality of life (r = −0/449, P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that the importance of quality of life and perceived stress scores, respectively, were significant predictors of marital satisfaction score. There was no statistically significant correlation between the total score of quality of life and marital satisfaction with demographic variables; only a weak relationship was found between perceived stress and family monthly income (r = −0/184, P = 0/04).CONCLUSION:The findings of this study indicate that quality of life and perceived stress can be significant predictors of marital satisfaction in married employed women.

Background: Opioid dependence syndrome has deleterious consequences not only on addict but also on the members of family especially his spouse who is most vulnerable to develop significant psychiatric disorder given the intimate nature of their relationship. Addressing these issues will be beneficial as spouses are important source of moral support and assistance to the substance user’s quest toward abstinence.Methods: For psychiatric morbidity, 100 spouses of men with opioid dependence syndrome were evaluated. Severity of opioid dependence in the husbands was assessed using severity of opioid dependence questioner (SODQ). Quality of life and marital satisfaction was assessed using short form health survey 36 (SF 36) and marital satisfaction scale (MSS) respectively.Results: Data analysis reveals that 33% of spouses had a psychiatric disorder. Primarily mood and anxiety disorder was present in 22% and 9% of subjects respectively. Highly significant difference existed between cases and controls in terms of marital satisfaction (p = 0.0001) and quality of life (p≤0.05) indicating low marital satisfaction and poor quality of life in spouses of opioid dependent individuals.Conclusions: Psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity in spouses of opioid dependent men is high, with poor quality of marital life and marital satisfaction being low. Hence, interventions that aim at allaying their distress and improving their mental health can improve the condition of the substance user and contribute to a better outcome of substance abuse treatment.

The paper aims to understand the current readiness level of Industry 4.0 in the food industry. Furthermore, the study explores the prioritized Industry 4.0 dimensions and initiatives needed to improve the readiness level. The study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. In the quantitative phase, the Industry 4.0 readiness assessment was conducted using the Smart Industry Readiness Index framework. The quantitative study further explores the prioritized dimensions using The Prioritization Matrix framework. In the qualitative phase, interviews with industry practitioners from the participating companies were conducted to gain more understanding and propose the conceptual roadmap. The study found that the Indonesian food industry has a better average readiness than the global average but significantly lower than the best-in-class manufacturers. Vertical Integration, Shop Floor Intelligence, Shop Floor Automation, and Workforce Learning &amp; Development are four priority dimensions to increase the readiness level in the food industry. A conceptual roadmap was proposed to improve the readiness index based on the strategic planning horizon, prioritized dimensions, and initiatives identified from interview results. The results of this study would provide an additional reference for applying explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The prioritized dimensions found would also benefit other researchers in the development of the readiness or maturity model. This paper provides a deeper understanding of Industry 4.0 readiness, the prioritized dimensions, and related improvement initiatives to propose the strategic roadmap for the food industry by utilizing explanatory sequential mixed-method design.

Marriage is social framework through which man and woman come closer to one another and begin living respectively. Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is socially or ritually recognized union or legal contract between spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them, between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws, as well as society in general (Haviland et al., 2011). The protective effects of mamage for physical and emotional well-being are widely documented (Carr & Springer, 2010). However, recent research shows that these effects are conditional upon the quality of the marriage; problematic marriages take an emotional toll, whereas high-quality marriages provide benefits, especially for women (Proulx, Helms, & Buehler, 2007).Marital quality is the spouses' subjective evaluation of their marital relationships, including in terms of satisfaction, happiness, strain, and conflict. Lewis and Spanier incorporate terms like marital satisfaction, marital happiness, and marital adjustment in the overall definition of marital quality. The characteristic in each of these terms is the qualitative or subjective dimension of marital quality. According to Lewis and Spanier (1979), marital quality is a subjective evaluation of married couple's relationship.Physical, social and psychological readiness, maturities are important in marital relationship and this fact has been supported by Mehandiratta et al. (2007). Lee (1977) found positive correlation between age at time of marriage and marital satisfaction. This study also indicated that as the age of marriage increased, marital satisfaction increased as well. Researches indicated that people who married at an early age were more likely to experience hardship in their marital role performance, which then led to marital dissatisfaction. Booth, Johnson, and Edwards (1983) found that marital instability is the highest for those who married early (before age 20).Researches on impact of education on marital quality showed inconsistent results. Singh et al. (2006) found strong positive effect of education on marital quality. But studies by Amato et al. (2003); Umberson et al. (2005); VanLaningham et al. (2001) and Pimentel (2000) found no impact of education on marital quality.Review of literatures highlighted length of marriage (years of marriage) as another potential factor for marital quality. Amato & Cheadle (2005) mentioned that half of all divorces occur within the first 7 years of marriage. Snyder, Heyman, and Haynes (2005) also reported the same finding. They concluded that about half of these divorces occurring within the first 7-8 years of marriage.Selection of partner on the basis of love, friendship, compatibility and interpersonal attractions (Lee & Stone, (1980) plays crucial role in marital quality. Boykin (2004); Dinna (2005); Lev-Wiesel and Al-Krenawi (1999) opined that couple in love-matched marriage have more satisfaction and marital adjustment than couple of arranged marriages.In order to understand the dimension and determinants of marital quality among women of Agartala, the present study has been conducted. The main aim of this study was to enhance understanding of marital quality, as well as attitudes and behaviours related to relationship formation.Hypotheses of the studyIn the present study four hypotheses have been formulated. These are* Marital quality of married women does not differ significantly with respect to their age differences.* Marital quality of married women does not differ significantly with respect to their educational differences.* Marital quality of married women does not differ significantly with respect to their length of marriage* Marital quality of married women does not differ significantly with respect to their type of marriage (love/ arrange marriage).MethodParticipantsThe study sample comprised of 150 randomly selected married women from Agartala (Municipality Corporation area). …

The authors examined associations between marital quality and both general life satisfaction and experienced (momentary) well-being among older husbands and wives, the relative importance of own versus spouse's marital appraisals for well-being, and the extent to which the association between own marital appraisals and well-being is moderated by spouse's appraisals. Data are from the 2009 Disability and Use of Time daily diary supplement to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (N = 722). One's own marital satisfaction is a sizable and significant correlate of life satisfaction and momentary happiness; associations do not differ significantly by gender. The authors did not find a significant association between spouse's marital appraisals and own well-being. However, the association between husband's marital quality and life satisfaction is buoyed when his wife also reports a happy marriage, yet flattened when his wife reports low marital quality. Implications for understanding marital dynamics and well-being in later life are discussed.

BackgroundQuality of life and marital satisfaction are important components of reproductive-age women’s health. This study aimed to compare the quality of life and marital satisfaction in women of reproductive age in Iran and Afghanistan before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study on a sample of Iranian and Afghan women of reproductive age. To collect the data, the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) and the Enrich marital satisfaction scale were used to assess the quality of life and marital satisfaction, respectively. In addition, the Global Rating of Change (GRC) was used in order to evaluate the quality of life and marital satisfaction compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were evaluated descriptively through statistics including sing t-test, and chi-square, Logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between outcome variables and independent variables.ResultsIn all 599 reproductive-age women (300 Iranian, and 299 Afghan) were studied. After adjusting for demographic variables, no significant difference was observed between the two groups for the physical component (P = 0.05) and mental component summary scores of quality of life (P = 0.166) as measured by the SF-12. The majority of Iranian women reported that their quality of life was worsened compared to before the pandemic (57.2%), while in the Afghan group, a higher percentage declared that it was unchanged (58.9%). The mental component of quality of life had no significant relationship with any of the independent variables including nationality. In contrast, the physical component quality of life had a significant relationship with nationality (P = 0.01). Iranian women had more marital satisfaction than Afghan women (P<0.001) and marital satisfaction had a significant relationship with nationality (P<0.001). Most women in both groups (70% of Iranian and 60% of Afghan women) declared that their marital satisfaction unchanged compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionThe results showed that the quality of life of Iranian and Afghan women of reproductive age was almost the same before and after the pandemic. However, Iranians scored lower on the mental component summary and Afghans reported lower scores on the physical component summary. Marital satisfaction of Afghan women was much lower than that of Iranian women. The findings suggest the need for serious attention by health care authorities. Providing a supportive environment might be considered a primary step towards a better quality of life for these populations.

Key Words: Israeli Arabs, marital quality, mate selection, potent:y. This study examines the effects of several variables which are considered to influence marital satisfaction-mate selection, potency, levels of education, attitudes towards love, and expectations regarding marriage-among Israeli Arabs. divided by religion into three groups: Muslims, Christians (Roman Catholics), and Druze. Findings revealed that marital quality was higher among Druze and Christians than among Muslims. Potency contributed to marital quality in all groups, while levels of education affected marital quality among Muslims and Christians but not Druze. he constructions and perceptions of marital quality vary across cultures (Adelmann, Chadwick, & Baerger, 1996; Shek, Lam, Tsoi, & Lam, 1993; White, 1983). Little research, however, has focused on Arab people (Bin-Manie, 1986; Hanassab, 1994; Soad, 1990), and findings on the experiences of other societies, particularly the extensive research on Western cultures (e.g., Birtchnell, 1993; Birtchnell & Kennard, 1984; Muench & Landrum, 1994; Russell & Wells, 1991, 1992; Schumm, Patt-Bergen, & Hatch, 1986; Williams, 1995), may have little immediate applicability. The Arab minority in Israel is considered to be a society in transition, caught between Eastern and Western cultures due to the process of Westernization in Israel (Al-Haj, 1989). The present study is the first of its kind to consider marital quality among Israeli Arab subjects, and whether there are different experiences among this population's three major religions, Christianity (Roman Catholic), Druze, and Islam. The purpose of this study is to contribute to knowledge regarding the relationship between culture (in this case Arab) and religion, and to determine which is more significant in determining marital selection and satisfaction. Several variables widely considered to influence marital satisfaction are analyzed: These include mate selection processes, attitudes toward love, and expectations regarding marriage. Although previous research has pointed to a relationship between marital satisfaction and the above variables, findings are relatively inconclusive (Spanier & Lewis, 1980). Katz and Briger (1988), for example, examined the relationship among attitudes toward love, expectations about marriage, and marital satisfaction. They found that the more women perceived themselves as being entitled to be loved and treated as equals in marriage, the higher the level of marital satisfaction (Israeli & Tabory, 1986). However, it was also found that marital conflicts increased among husbands of higher educated women, who demanded equality and mutual love, which led to a decline in the husband's satisfaction (Burk & Wier, 1976; Murillo,1971). In addition to expectations and attitudes, each couple has a unique history regarding the selection of the marriage partner, which encompasses factors such as the length and nature of the courtship, the extent to which each desired to marry, and the manner in which the couple's attachment was made (autonomous decision vs. arranged marriage). Again, the research findings of how these variables affect marital satisfaction are inconclusive. Several researchers have contended, for example, that long courtships involve a process of revelation and exposure that lead to more meaningful, stable relationships and better preparation for marriage (Blood, 1969; Katz & Beach, 1997; Murstein, 1980). Others have pointed to a sharp difference in Western society between courtship and marriage, making the transition difficult for both partners, so lengthy courtship has minimal influence on marital satisfaction (Clayton, 1975; Kenkel, 1985; Rosenthal & Grieve, 1990; Tamara-Goldman, 1996). Finally, previous studies show that the degree to which an individual wishes to marry is affected by the attitudes and values he or she has developed about his or her social group (Rosenblatt & Cozby, 1972; Shachar,1991). …

(1) Background: The aim of this research was to analyze factors associated with quality of life (QoL) and marital satisfaction in married family caregivers of patients with mental disorders. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all community mental health services in Goiania municipality, Brazil, in 2016–2017. Married family caregivers of patients with severe and persistent mental disorders were recruited and their QoL and marital satisfaction was assessed by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF) and Marital Satisfaction Scale. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify factors associated with QoL and marital satisfaction. (3) Results: For 163 family caregivers, the psychological and environmental QoL domains presented the best and the worst scores, respectively. Factors independently associated with better QoL for caregivers were male caregiver, the younger age of a caregiver, >8 years of schooling, ≥5 years as a caregiver who performed physical activities, caregiver without chronic disease, and no patient’s crisis in the last 30 days. Factors independently associated with marital satisfaction of the caregiver were male caregiver, caregiver with >8 years of schooling, caregiver who received support by relatives to care for the patient, caregiver who performed physical activities, no patient’s crisis in the last 30 days, and patient hospitalization in the last six months; (4) Conclusions: The main predictor for marital satisfaction was support by relatives, and for QoL it was no patient’s crisis in the last 30 days.

Introduction: Although working is human's best recreation, due to adverse physical, social, and psychological stimuli, it has adverse effects on family relationships, marital satisfaction, and the quality of people's lives. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the quality of life and marital satisfaction of married nurses and nursing assistant in three teaching hospitals of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and forty-six married nurses and nursing assistant participated in this study. Participants were selected by simple random sampling, and data were collected with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Standard Questionnaire and Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11 and the significance level was 0.05. Statistical single parameter and logistics tests were carried out to detect significant relationships. Results: Happy hours spent with family, working hospital, and belief in the negative effect of night shift work on personal, family, and social life were found to be effective parameters on four domains of life quality. Marital satisfaction and communication domain in the Enrich questionnaire were significantly correlated with total score of quality of life (P = 0.008). Idealistic distortion domain in the Enrich questioner was significantly correlated with the social domain of quality of life (P = 0.031). Conclusion: Organizational and administrative support, including training in the effective communication skills between couples, making balance between work and family and flexibility in shift work programs can improve the quality of life and marital satisfaction.

IntroductionThe benefits of physical activity for children’s health, both mental and physical, and its positive effects on academic achievement are well established. Research also emphasises that schools could provide a...