SOCIAL SUPPORT AND MALADAPTIVE COGNITION AS PREDICTORS OF MARITAL SATISFACTION

Abstract

This research delved into social support and maladaptive cognition as predictors of marital satisfaction. The study involved a sample of three hundred and fifty married adult (175 males, and 175 females), comprised of academic and non-academic staff of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Selected from Odenigwe, Odim, and Hilltop residential areas, and within an age bracket of 27 to 66 years, with a mean age of 22.17 years (SD = 2.80). The study hypothesized that maladaptive cognition would not significantly predict marital satisfaction, social support would not substantially predict marital satisfaction, and social support would not significantly have a positive association between maladaptive cognition and marital satisfactionmong married adults. The investigation employed three assessment tools: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Maladaptive Interpersonal Belief Scale (MIBS), and the Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to empirically examine the study. The findings of the hierarchical multiple analysis indicated that maladaptive cognition did not significantly predict marital satisfaction, social support distinctly and positively predicted marital satisfaction, and ultimately, social support did not moderate the interplay between maladaptive cognition and marital satisfaction. The implications and constraints of this research encompass the limited sample size and potential social desirability biases in questionnaire responses, suggesting that future investigations should encompass larger population sizes and encompass diverse geographic locations and ethnic demographics.