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Couple Types, Ethnicity and Marital Satisfaction in Malaysia

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Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify couple types and investigate the effects of couples types and ethnicity on marital satisfaction in Malaysia. A nation-wide survey involving one thousand married respondents was conducted. Using Fitzpatrick’s (1988) typology, four types of marriages were identified through cluster analysis, which included Traditional, Independent, Separate and Mixed couples. The main effect of couple types, ethnicity and effects of their interaction were found to have contributed significantly towards marital satisfaction. Malay respondents were most satisfied as Traditionals, while Chinese and Indian respondents were most satisfied as Independents. Results are discussed with reference to the current socio-cultural context of Malaysia.

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Acknowledgement

The authors wish to record significant appreciation to Universiti Sains Malaysia for the financial support to the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia

    Hasrina Mustafa, Marshina Juliza Mohd Hasim, Norizah Aripin & Hamidah Abdul Hamid

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  1. Hasrina Mustafa
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  2. Marshina Juliza Mohd Hasim
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  3. Norizah Aripin
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  4. Hamidah Abdul Hamid
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Correspondence to Hasrina Mustafa.

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Mustafa, H., Mohd Hasim, M.J., Aripin, N. et al. Couple Types, Ethnicity and Marital Satisfaction in Malaysia. Applied Research Quality Life 8, 299–317 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-012-9200-z

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