Emotional Attachment and Mutual Respect as Correlates of Marital Satisfaction Among Married Persons in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Marriage requires commitment, emotional connection, and mutual respect to foster a satisfying relationship that benefits couples, their children, and society. Rising marital conflicts and separations in Edo State, Nigeria, suggest that many couples may lack these essential qualities. Although previous studies have explored emotional attachment and marital satisfaction, limited attention has been given to the combined roles of spousal emotional attachment and mutual respect. This study investigated the relationships among spousal emotional attachment, mutual respect, and marital satisfaction among married persons in Edo State. Using a correlational research design, data were collected from 450 married individuals with three standardized instruments: the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI), the Marital Attachment Scale (MAS), and the Mutual Respect Scale (MRS). Data were analyzed using regression analysis in SPSS. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between spousal emotional attachment, mutual respect, and marital satisfaction, leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses. Specifically, stronger emotional attachment and greater mutual respect were associated with higher levels of marital satisfaction. The study concludes that fostering secure emotional attachment and mutual respect enhances marital quality, promotes satisfying dyadic relationships, and contributes to more stable and fulfilling marriages.

Keywords: Emotional attachment, Mutual respect, Marital satisfaction, Married persons, Edo State.