Published June 6, 2022 | Version v1
Journal article Open

What I wanted vs what I have: Impact of pre and post marital expectations on marital satisfaction of married young adults

  • 1. Institute of Professional Psychology, Bahria University, Karachi, Pakistan

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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to ascertain pre-marital and post-marital expectations, the differences between pre- and post-marital expectations, and the impact of post-marital expectations on current marital satisfaction. This study employs a mixed design with a correlational technique. This study includes 164 married young adults (n=75 males & n=89 females) in Pakistan, all of whom have been married for at least six months and are between the ages of 19 and 40. The sampling technique employed is convenience-based. In this study, the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16) and the Marital Scales are utilised as measures (Pre and Post Forms). The demographic information sheet was presented first, followed by the CSI-16, and then the Marital Scales, with the pre-marital form being presented first and the post-marital form being presented second. According to findings, there is a significant difference between pre- and post-marriage expectations. In addition, post-marriage expectations were found to impact participants' current marital satisfaction. The majority of the participants were female, employed, parents, upper middle class, and part of a joint family. This study contributes to the existing literature on pre-marital and post-marital expectations and marital satisfaction, can be used in marital therapy, can be applied to the culture and context of Pakistan, and offers an explanation of certain marital expectations and their impact on marital satisfaction.
 

 

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