Correlates of couple satisfaction in young versus old married couples

The present study, entitled “Correlates of Couple Satisfaction in Young Versus Old Married Couples”, aimed to explore the relationship between couple satisfaction and key psychological and relational variables, dyadic adjustment, resilience, and perceived partner responsiveness, among two distinct age groups of married couples. The sample comprised 76 married couples (38 young couples aged 22-32 years and 38 old couples aged 50-60 years) residing in Hisar, Haryana. A correlational design was employed to analyse the similarities and differences in relational dynamics across life stages. Data was collected using standardized instruments, the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-32), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale (PPRS). The results of correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive association between couple satisfaction and all three variables, i.e. dyadic adjustment, resilience, and perceived partner responsiveness, in both age groups. However, the strength of these correlations was notably higher in older couples, suggesting that long-term relational experiences may contribute to deeper emotional attunement and coping abilities within the marital relationship. The study highlights the importance of fostering resilience, emotional responsiveness, and adjustment in maintaining marital satisfaction, particularly in the early years of marriage.