Predicting marital satisfaction based on ego strength, depression and anxiety symptoms

This study aimed to predict marital satisfaction and dissatisfaction based on ego strength, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The study employed a descriptive-correlational design, with 384 participants (306 female, 78 male) selected using available sampling in Tehran in 2022. Couples completed the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Marital State Questionnaire (GRIMS; Rust et al., 1986), ego strength scale (ESS; Besharat, 2007), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Pearson correlation coefficient and simultaneous regression analysis were utilized to analyze the research data. The results indicated that increasing individual scores in ego strength (p<0.01, r=0.356) led to an increase in marital satisfaction. Conversely, increasing scores in depression symptoms (p<0.01, r=0.498) and anxiety symptoms (p<0.01, r=0.297) were associated with an increase in marital dissatisfaction. Furthermore, marital satisfaction could be predicted by ego strength (p<0.01) and depression symptoms (p<0.01), with these variables explaining 27 percent of the variance in marital satisfaction. In conclusion, the research suggests that ego strength and depression symptoms are significant predictors of marital satisfaction. A thorough examination of these variables in individuals can contribute significantly to enhancing marital satisfaction.