Predictors of Turkish University students’ marital attitudes

Abstract

In Turkey, it has been observed that marital attitudes have changed in recent years. In this study, it is aimed to examine the relationship between university students’ marital attitudes and mate selection strategies, gender roles, sex, relationship status and age variables. The sample of the study is made up of 706 (412 females, 294 males) university students. As the data collection instruments, Inonu Marital Attitude Scale, Mate Selection Strategies Inventory and Bem Sex Role Inventory were used in the study. The data analysis was performed using hierarchical regression technique. According to the study findings, virginity and physical attributes mate selection strategies, feminine gender role, age, sex and relationship status variables are significant predictors of university students’ marital attitudes. It was found that importance given to physical attributes and virginity were associated with more positive attitudes towards marriage. Having a higher level of feminine characteristics was associated with more positive attitudes towards marriage.