THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS, ATTACHMENT STYLES AND MARITAL SATISFACTION : COMPARISON BETWEEN NORTH CYYPRUS AND SAUDI ARABIA /
BY ENAS SAIFELDIN BASHIR AHMED ; SUPERVISOR ASST.PROF.DR. AYŞE ÖZADA NAZIM.
- 109 sheets : tables ; 30 cm
Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Social Work
Marriage is a significant emotional, legal, and economic union between consenting adults, involving thousands of couples worldwide. It provides benefits, fosters alliances, and establishes a stable household. Using a quantitative cross-sectional research approach, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between attachment styles and marital satisfaction, and identify the unique socio-cultural variables influencing marital satisfaction among Turkish Cypriots and Saudi couples. A demographic data form, Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised scale (ECR-R), and Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) were used to assess and collect data from a total sample of 201 participants. The collected data was then analysed through SPSS (version 29) using descriptive, Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U test and Multiple regression analysis. The statistical results revealed a strong correlation between anxious and avoidant attachment levels and marital satisfaction among Saudi and Turkish Cypriot participants. The study found that while insecure attachment levels were similar across both groups, marital satisfaction levels varied, with Turkish Cypriot participants indicating higher satisfaction. Although, Saudi individuals in monogamous marriages reported higher levels of marital satisfaction compared to those in polygamous marriages. The study found that insecure attachment patterns and marital satisfaction did not differ by gender, but socio-cultural factors like number of children, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and gender roles significantly influenced satisfaction levels among the Saudi participants. Meanwhile, the number of children and avoidant attachment significantly predicted levels of marital satisfaction among the Turkish Cypriot participants. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into interpersonal variables affecting marital satisfaction. It also suggests comparing variables between individualist and collectivist cultures to create culturally appropriate interventions. Further research with a diverse population could generalise findings.