The Effect of Projective Identification, Conflict Resolution Styles, and Gender Roles on Marital Satisfaction

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of projective identification, gender roles, conflict resolution styles on marital satisfaction. Method: The data was collected from 123 married people. The booklet of demographic information form, Marital Life Scale, Paulson Daily Living Inventory, Conflict Resolution Styles Scale, and Bem-Sex Role Inventory were used to collect the data. Results: Their ages ranged from 23 to 44 years with the mean age of 32.5 (SD = 7.6). There was a strong relationship between projective identification, conflict resolution styles and marital satisfaction. A series of 3-way ANOVA analysis indicated that feminine characteristics have a significant effect on marital satisfaction (F (1,115) = 4.059, p<.05, np(2) =. 034) and subordination behaviors (F (1,115) = 18.068, p<.01, np(2) =. 136). The multiple regression analysis indicated that study variables can account for 52% of variance in marital satisfaction. Idealizing projective identification positively (Beta = .49, t [122] = 6.47; p<.001), persecuting projective identification negatively related to marital satisfaction (Beta= -.39, t [122] = -5. 35, p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the length of a marriage, having a child, having more children and unresolved conflicts decrease marital satisfaction. Feminine characteristics such as being a caretaker and being sensitive to other's feelings and masculine characteristics such as acting like a leader and being dominant increase marital satisfaction. Using persecuting projective identification leads the couple to transfer their early childhood conflicts on each other which then results in marital distress.