The Big Five Personality Traits and Family Relationship Quality among Married Couples: The Mediating Role of Emotional Stress and Marital Depression

Abstract: The present study aimed to examine the influence of the Big Five personality traits on the quality of family relationships among married couples, with particular attention to the mediating roles of emotional stress and marital depression. It also explored potential gender differences across the study variables. The sample comprised 433 married individuals (145 males and 288 females) residing in the United Arab Emirates. Four standardized instruments were employed: the Big Five Personality Traits Scale, the Family Relationship Quality Scale, the Marital Emotional Stress Scale, and the Marital Depression Scale. The results revealed significant associations between the Big Five personality traits and marital relationship quality. Neuroticism demonstrated a negative relationship with relationship quality, whereas extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were positively associated. Moreover, emotional stress and marital depression partially mediated the relationship between personality traits and marital relationship quality, indicating that the direct effects of personality traits were reduced when these mediating variables were considered. Additionally, no significant gender differences were found in relationship quality; however, females reported higher levels of emotional stress and marital depression compared to males. Keywords: Big Five Personality dimensions; Quality of Family Relationships; Emotional Stress; Marital Depression; Relationship Satisfaction; Personality influences on relationship outcomes; Marital Adjustment; Psychological Well-being; Couples’ Mental Health. Title: The Big Five Personality Traits and Family Relationship Quality among Married Couples: The Mediating Role of Emotional Stress and Marital Depression Author: Rami M. Ababneh, Abdullah M. Bani-Rshaid International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 43-53 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 08-October-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17292223 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/the-big-five-personality-traits-and-family-relationship-quality-among-married-couples-the-mediating-role-of-emotional-stress-and-marital-depression