Date
2-28-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Michael Howard
Keywords
marital satisfaction, financial stress, economic stress, marital quality, marital conflict, stability
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Ventura, Luis, "The Impact of Economic Stress on Marital Satisfaction" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6524.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6524
Abstract
Marital satisfaction is considered a common index for measuring the stability and quality of marriages. Various factors have been considered to affect the stability and quality of marriages. In the context of the contemporary world, in which socioeconomic dynamics influence day-to-day existence, economic or financial stress is considered a factor that influences relationships. However, the extent to which economic stress affects relationships is unclear. This study examines the effect that economic stress (through its varied types) has on marital satisfaction. It applies a correlational research design where data is collected using quantitative survey questionnaires on a sample of 80 participants (N = 80) comprising people residing in urban areas in the U.S. who are married and between the ages of 25 and 65 and who have been married for at least three years. The findings showed that financial stress (unemployment, strain, debt, and poor economic management) negatively affects marital satisfaction. The perception of financial load also affects the level of marital satisfaction. Demographic diversity and social support mediate the relationship between financial stress and marital satisfaction. Money management skills and the operation of accounts were found to affect a couple’s satisfaction directly. The findings have practical implications for counseling, marriage, and family practice.
