Influence of Work-Family Conflict and Perceived Social Support on Marital Satisfaction of Individuals with Dual-Career Family in Oyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study examined the influence of Work-Family Conflict (WFC) and Perceived Social Support (PSS) on marital satisfaction of individuals with dual-career family. Study Design: The study adopted a correlational research approach Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at the Department of Educational Psychology, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria, between May and August, 2012. Methodology: Participants in the study include one hundred and fifty-eight married individuals who were dual-earners selected through a purposive random sampling technique in Oyo area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Three research instruments were employed to elicit response from the participants namely: Index of Marital Satisfaction; Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Work-Family Conflict Scale. Three research questions were raised. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple regression models were used for analysis of data generated. Results: The outcomes of the study revealed that the two predictor variables jointly accounted for about 25% of the total variation (F (2,155) = 25.170; R=.495; R2=.245; Adj. R2=.235; P<0.001). Also, the two independent variables contributed independently to the prediction of marital satisfaction: Work-family conflict (β=-.468; t=-.690, P<0.001). Perceived social support (β=.195, t=2.787, P=0.006). While the relationship between WFC and Marital Satisfaction was negative, the relationship was positive for PSS and Marital Satisfaction. Conclusion: The two independent variables examined in this study are potent enough to influence marital satisfaction. The study therefore concluded that marital satisfaction can increase when work-family strain is properly managed and individuals in dual-career relationship receive the needed social supports from expected individuals.