Ekonomik Faktörlerin Evlilik Kalitesine Etkisi: Bir Dyadic Model Testi

Abstract

This study was conducted in three different socioeconomic districts in Ankara to examine the effect of economic factors on the quality of marriages. This study initially collected data from 211 married couples (422 married individuals), to develop the Marital Quality Scale (MQS). For the Family Economic Strain Scale (FESS), an adaptation study was performed. Then, the researchers met with 278 married couples (556 married individuals) and by using the data obtained, the Marital Quality Model Test was established. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the MQS was calculated according to data set for the 211 married couples, and its Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated according to the data set from the 278 married couples. They were found to be .97 and .96, respectively. The MQS is a 5-factor with 42 items. This study determined that the MQS is a valid and reliable scale for Turkey. A dyadic model test was performed, and this study examined the role of “couple burnout” (mediation or moderation) in the relationship between “family economic strain” and “marital quality” of males and females. The mediation and the moderation roles of couple burnout were analyzed using the mediation model of heterosexual couple solidarity (Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model–APIMeM) and the moderation model of heterosexual couple solidarity (Actor-Partner Interdependence Moderation Model–APIMoM), respectively. The model test results showed that the relationship between economic strain and marital quality did not vary by couple burnout; however, as the couple burnout perceived by couples increased, the marital quality of each spouse significantly decreased. Moreover, economic strain experienced by spouses decreased marital quality by mediating the couple burnout experienced by individuals or their spouses. Lower marital quality was mostly due to his/her own couple burnout, and slightly because of the couple burnout experienced by his/her spouse. In light of its findings, this study offers suggestions to researchers, academicians and institutions.