Attachment, communication, and finances as factors that explain marital satisfaction

Abstract

Introduction: Marital relationships are fundamental to the consolidation of the family and the well-being of all its members, with marital satisfaction being the most significant variable in explaining marital stability. Objective: To analyze the differences in marital satisfaction according to the sex of the spouses, the type of bond, and the duration of cohabitation; to understand the correlation between attachment styles, communication styles, and financial management with marital satisfaction; and to explain marital satisfaction through attachment styles, communication, and financial management. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was carried out with 266 participants, including 82 men and 184 women of Colombian nationality. The following instruments were used: the Couple Satisfaction Scale (ESP-10), the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR), the Marital Communication Styles Scale, and the Financial Management Behavior Scale (FMBS). Results: The variables that best explain marital satisfaction, in order of relevance, are avoidance (inverse), the perception of the partner’s positive communication style, and one’s violent communication style (inverse). In other words, when a person avoids being close to their partner and communicates violently, marital satisfaction tends to be low; conversely, when a person perceives a positive, open, and pleasant communication style in their partner, marital satisfaction tends to be high. Conclusion: It is essential to promote marital satisfaction through actions that foster positive communication styles and to work on the prevention of violent communication styles and avoidance behaviors. © 2024, Simon Bolivar University (Barranquilla). All rights reserved.