Socio-Demographic Factors Predicting Marital Intimacy in a Sample of Iranian Couples: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The lack of couples’ intimacy is one of the main concerns of experts in the field of psychology and counseling. It is one of the most important causes of divorce. The 9th principle of International conference on population and development (ICPD) highlights the support of the family as the main unit of the society. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the socio-demographic predictors of marital intimacy in couples. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 118 couples referring to healthcare settings. A random sampling method was used to recruit the couples. Data were collected using the socio-demographic questionnaire, the Bagarozzi’s marital intimacy needs questionnaire, Barton’s communication skills questionnaire, the Hazan and Shaver’s adult attachment styles (1678) questionnaire, and the interpersonal conflict management style (ICMSI). The collected data were analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found in the mean of marital intimacy between men and women. The predictors of marital intimacy in men were the attachment style and communication skills. The predictors of marital intimacy in women were marital satisfaction, communication skills, and conflict resolution styles. Conclusions: Future interventions to improve marital intimacy in couples should consider the following factors: marital satisfaction, marital conflicts, duration of the marriage, communication skills, conflict resolution styles, and the attachment style. It is noted that counselors should attempt to provide appropriate care for couples with the consideration of the above-mentioned factors influencing their interactions and behaviors. Keywords: Intimate; Marital; Predict