The Spousal Support Effect on Marital Satisfaction in Middle-Aged Couples: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model

Objectives: This study aimed to verify the effect of spousal support on marital satisfaction in middle-aged couples using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Methods: For this purpose, 223 couples aged 40-60 nationwide participated in the study. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed using SPSS 23.0, and structural equation modeling analysis was performed using Amos 23.0. Results: The findings of the study are as follows. First, while receiving spousal support had a positive effect on marital satisfaction for both husbands and wives among the middle-aged couples, the partner effect was significant only for wives. Second, giving spousal support had a negative effect on marital satisfaction for wives, and the partner effect was significant for both husbands and wives among the middle-aged couples. Conclusions: In conclusion, the more they perceived receiving spousal support, the higher the marital satisfaction. Also, the more they perceived giving spousal support, the lower their spouses’ marital satisfaction. Implications and limitations of this study were discussed, and suggestions for further studies were recommended.