Believing Disagreement as Destructive: A Cognitive Predictor of Marital Quality

Abstract

Aim of the study: Marital quality is influenced by several factors which makes a married couple vulnerable to marital conflicts. Dysfunctional relationship belief that disagreement is destructive shapes marital relationship among married couples. This study aims to assess disagreement is destructive as a predictor of marital quality, and their association among husbands and wives in Pakistan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with N= 350 married individuals (N= 175 married couples) selected using purposive sampling. The Relationship Belief Inventory (RBI) and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) were administered to assess the belief that disagreement is destructive and marital quality respectively among married couples.

Findings: The findings from this study suggest that there is a negative relationship between the belief that disagreement is destructive and marital quality among married couples. Furthermore, the belief that disagreement is destructive emerged as negative predictor of marital quality for both husbands and wives.

Conclusion: The results from this study highlight the detrimental effect of holding maladaptive beliefs of disagreement is destructive related to marital relationship and how its impacts marital quality. Thus, this study provides basis for devising therapeutic interventions to resolve marital conflicts and improve marital quality by indulging in open communication among married couples.