RELIGIOSITY, COMMUNICATION PATTERNS AND MARITAL INSTABILITY IN YOUNG MARRIED INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

A major problem of marriage instability was increasing among young couples, and this issue had multiple factors contributing to it. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between religiosity, communication patterns and marital instability among young married individuals. Correlational research design was used. The sample comprises of 170 married participants (N=170) 40 men and 130 women using purposive sampling strategy and with a marital duration between 1 to 7 years (M= 3.78, SD= 2.25). The self report measures used to assess the study variables were demographic questionnaires, The Mature Religiosity Scale (MRS) that presented high internal consistency with a Cronbach alpha of 0.92. Its reliability and validity were proven by great correlations with the known scales, including the Duke Religion Index (r = 0.84) and the Religious Well-Being Scale (r = 0.83). Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ) had been found to be very reliable with Cronbach alpha of between 0.85 and 0.95, and Marital Instability Index (MII) had proved to be very reliable with a Cronbach alpha of 0.89 and had been shown to have a great validity having a significant correlation with the measures of marital satisfaction, divorce and separation. Correlational and regression analyses were done including descriptive and reliability statistics. Religiosity, communication and marital instability were evaluated using standardized scales. The study investigated the predictive value of religiosity and patterns of communication on marital instability. The data were keyed into SPSS statistics 2025. The results supported the hypotheses and the significant relationship between the variables was found. Marital instability was predicted by religiosity through religiosity and communication patterns, as well as hierarchical regression association between religiosity, communication patterns and marital instability. These results of hierarchical regression indicated that constructive communication was negative predictor of marital instability. The results highlighted the importance of considering religiosity and communication patterns in understanding marital instability among young married individuals.  The implications of the study on the counseling of marriages and relationship education were addressed.