The relationships among perceived stress, conflict resolution styles, spousal support and marital satisfaction during the COVID-19 quarantine

This study investigated the relationships among perceived stress, conflict resolution styles, spousal support and marital satisfaction of heterosexual married couples during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine. This was a descriptive study that employed a correlational survey model. The sample consisted of 511 Turkish married couples recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected online using a demographic characteristic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Conflict Resolution Styles Scale, the Spousal Support Scale, and the Marital Life Scale. The mean age of participants was 37.00 (SD = 7.88) years. The mean duration of marriage of participants was 11.15 (SD = 8.97) years. Higher marital satisfaction was associated with lower perceived stress, lower negative conflict resolution style, higher spousal support, and higher positive resolution styles. The Conflict Resolution Styles Scale and Spousal Support Scale scores explained 48.3% of the total variance of the Marital Life Scale, indicating that higher positive conflict resolution styles and higher spousal support were significantly associated with higher marital satisfaction. The COVID-19 quarantine has resulted in changes in marital life and family dynamics. Stress, negative conflict resolution style, and a lack of spousal support during the COVID-19 quarantine contribute to marital dissatisfaction.