Strengthening Bonds: How Communication Enhances Marital Quality

Maziah Mohamed Nasir; Noor Azniza Ishak

doi:10.32890/jps2025.28.1.5

Authors

Maziah Mohamed Nasir School of Applied Psychology, Social Work & Policy, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia
Noor Azniza Ishak School of Applied Psychology, Social Work & Policy, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32890/jps2025.28.1.5

Keywords:

Marital quality, communication skills, young couple

Abstract

Marriage involves great responsibility and demands mutual understanding and sacrifice between partners. In the pursuit of happiness, challenges and conflicts—particularly in communication—are inevitable. Since communication skills are among the key factors influencing marital quality, this study aimed to explore the relationship between marital quality and communication among young couples in the early phase of marriage (1 to 10 years). A total of 120 participants who had been married for 1 to 10 years volunteered to participate in this study. The instruments used were the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) and the ENRICH Communication Scale (ECS). Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the latest version of SPSS. A Spearman’s rho correlation analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant positive relationship between communication and marital quality. Additionally, the study examined the influence of gender on both variables. Mann-Whitney U tests showed no statistically significant differences between male and female participants in either marital quality or communication. However, a Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed a significant difference in marital quality across different education levels, indicating that educational background may influence marital satisfaction. The results of this study indicate that communication is positively associated with marital quality among couples in the early phase of marriage. These findings also suggest that gender does not significantly influence marital satisfaction or communication. Therefore, future research should explore other contributing factors such as communication styles, emotional intimacy, and duration of marriage. Additionally, examining the role of gender, marital dynamics, and psychological well-being may provide a deeper understanding of how communication patterns impact marital quality.

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