The Influence of Gender-Role Strain and Marital Intimacy on Spousal Perception of Marital Conflict among Ghanaian Dual Career Couples

Abstract

Theoretical work on marital conflicts, suggest that perception plays a crucial role in influencing spouses’ attitude towards marital conflict. However, relatively little research exists on psychological factors influencing spousal perception of marital conflicts.  This study examined the influence of gender-role strain and marital intimacy on spousal perception of marital conflict.  Using dual career couples as the target population, 88 respondents answered questionnaire that consisted of the following scales: Gender-Role Conflict Scale I, Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships and Spousal Perception of Marital Conflict Scale. Three hypotheses were formulated to test the relationship between gender-role strain, marital intimacy and spousal perception of marital conflict. Data was analyzed using hierarchical and standard multiple regression methods. Contrary to expectations, none of the hypothesis was supported. However, the study revealed that a higher level of marital intimacy positively influenced spousal perception of marital conflict.  These have implications for marital interactions and the development of interventions for couples dealing with marital conflicts.

Keywords – Gender-role strain, marital intimacy, spousal perception of marital conflict.