LOVING STYLES AS PREDICTORS OF MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG MARRIED COUPLES IN ANAMBRA STATE
Keywords:
Love Styles, Marital Satisfaction, Idemili North, Anambra State, Mania vs Pragma, Cultural Context of MarriageAbstract
This study explored the predictive relationship between different loving styles and marital
satisfaction among married couples in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. The
participants included 511 married individuals (276 men and 235 women) aged 25 to 40 years (mean age =
26.64 years, SD = 5.90). Data were collected using the Styles of Love Inventory (SLI-70) by Philbrick and
Owuamalam (1994) and the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS) by Hudson (1982). Multiple regression
analysis revealed that loving styles significantly predicted marital satisfaction, accounting for 24% of the
variance (R² = 0.24, p < .001). Mania (obsessive love) significantly and positively predicted marital
satisfaction (β = 0.231, p < .001), indicating that intense emotional engagement, even if obsessive, may
enhance relational quality in this cultural context. Pragma (practical love) negatively predicted marital
satisfaction (β = -1.30, p = .027), suggesting that an overemphasis on practicality can diminish emotional
intimacy and satisfaction. Power (control) also exhibited a significant negative relationship with marital
satisfaction (β = -0.158, p = .037), emphasising the detrimental effects of dominance-based dynamics.
Similarly, Eros (passionate love) demonstrated a significant negative influence on marital satisfaction (β =
-0.252, p = .001), highlighting the risks of overprioritising physical attraction and passion in long-term
relationships. In contrast, Storge (friendship-based love), Nomos (ethical love), Agape (selfless love),
Logos (logical love), Ludus (playful love), and Ideal (aspirational love) were not significant predictors of
marital satisfaction. These findings suggest that while certain love styles (e.g., Mania) may foster marital
satisfaction, others (e.g., Pragma, Power, Eros) could undermine relational quality when not balanced
effectively. The study recommends integrating these findings into premarital counselling and marital
support programs to promote relational harmony. Future research should explore the cultural
multidimensional nature of love styles and their evolving impact on marital satisfaction over time.
