Dyadic positive and negative religious coping among older Singaporean couples and marital satisfaction.

Abstract

Difficulties faced in life can affect marital relationships and such troubles may be dealt with in a multitude of ways, including coping religiously. The present study examined how religious coping, either in a positive or negative manner, may have an impact on marital satisfaction. Importantly, this association was studied dyadically in a sample of religiously diverse (Buddhists, 32.3%; Taoists, 17.6%; protestant Christians, 14.1%; and others who did not identify with a specific religion, 19.1%), married older Singaporean adults (N = 1928; 964 couples). Using actor-partner interdependence modeling, we found significant actor, partner, and combined actor-partner effects for positive and negative religious coping on marital satisfaction. Specifically, marital satisfaction was highest when both spouses reported high levels of positive religious coping and low levels of negative religious coping. Taken together, these findings suggest that it is the simultaneous act of either greater positive or lower negative religious coping by both spouses that is related to higher marital satisfaction.

Religious Homogamy and Marital Satisfaction in South Korea: Exploring Variations across Religious Groups

“…Prior findings from Western societies might reflect certain attributes of Christianity that are not common among non‐Christian religions (Lai et al. 2023). Particularly, different religious groups could have varied views on marriage and family, which might result in different roles of religious homogamy across them.…”

“…In particular, less attention has been paid to whether the positive role of religious homogamy on marriage is also pertinent to other religious groups beyond Christianity. Prior findings from Western societies might reflect certain attributes of Christianity that are not common among non-Christian religions (Lai et al 2023). Particularly, different religious groups could have varied views on marriage and family, which might result in different roles of religious homogamy across them.…”