The Contribution of Projective Identification, Conflict Resolution Styles, Gender Roles on Marital Satisfaction

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of projective identification, gender roles, conflict resolution styles on marital satisfaction. Method: The data was collected from 123 married people. The booklet of demographic information form, Marital Life Scale, Paulson Daily Living Inventory, Conflict Resolution Styles Scale, and Bem-Sex Role Inventory were used to collect the data. Results: Their ages ranged from 23 to 44 years with the mean age of 32.5 (SD = 7.6). There was a strong relationship between projective identification, conflict resolution styles and marital satisfaction. A series of 3-way ANOVA analysis indicated that feminine characteristics have a significant effect on marital satisfaction (F (1,115) = 4.059, p<.05, np²=.034) and subordination behaviors (F (1,115) =18.068, p<.01, np²=.136). The multiple regression analysis indicated that study variables can account for 52% of variance in marital satisfaction. Idealizing projective identification positively (Beta = .49, t [122] = 6. 47; p<.001), persecuting projective identification negatively related to marital satisfaction (Beta=-.39, t [122] =-5. 35, p<.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the length of a marriage, having a child, having more children and unresolved conflicts decrease marital satisfaction. Feminine characteristics such as being a caretaker and being sensitive to other's feelings and masculine characteristics such as acting like a leader and being dominant increase marital satisfaction. Using persecuting projective identification leads the couple to transfer their early childhood conflicts on each other which then results in marital distress.

Gender role conflict: Is it a predictor of marital dissatisfaction? A cross sectional study in Tehran

“…The conflict can affect interpersonal relationships, especially in the family (4). There is evidence indicating that gender role is related to marital satisfaction (5)(6)(7)(8). The results of previous studies showed that people with androgynous gender role have higher marital satisfaction (7,9,10).…”