Effects of Communication Patterns and Emotional Intelligence on Marital Satisfaction: Mediating Role of Conflict Resolution

Abstract

The present study aimed at examining the impact of communication patterns and emotional intelligence on marital satisfaction and the mediating influence of conflict resolution styles on their association. The present study utilized quantitative correlational research design wherein data were collected using purposive sampling technique from married individuals comprising of an equal number of men and women living in Bhakkar, Pakistan. Standard psychometric tests were used to measure the level of dyadic communication, emotional intelligence, romantic couple conflict behaviors and marital satisfaction among the participants. The results of correlation analysis indicated that both communication patterns and emotional intelligence were significantly positively correlated with marital satisfaction. Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that communication patterns and emotional intelligence acted as reliable predictors of relationship satisfaction. Hierarchical regression based on mediation analysis illustrated that there was presence of selective mediation effect; constructive compromise behavior acted as adaptive mediator improving marital satisfaction while interactional reactivity was highly destructive and maladaptive mediator deteriorating relationship outcomes. In addition, comparison analysis also showed gender specific conflict styles wherein women were found to exhibit more constructive conflict behaviors than men. Interestingly, there was no difference in the levels of interpersonal skills and marital satisfaction among genders. The implications of these results imply that internal skills related to emotions and communication can be utilized through the behavioral process of conflict management. This highlights the importance of dyad-based premarital counseling in Pakistan. Interestingly, there was no difference in the levels of interpersonal skills and marital satisfaction among genders. The implications of these results imply that internal skills related to emotions and communication can be utilized through the behavioral process of conflict management. This highlights the importance of dyad-based premarital counseling in Pakistan.