INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2278
www.rsisinternational.org
Marital Quality in Malaysia: Examining the Contributions of
Adjustment, Financial Stress, and Family Life Cycle Stages
Norsarah Mohd Razali
1
, Muhammad Ajib Abd Razak
2
, Nasrudin Subhi
3
, Salina Nen
4
, Chong Sheau
Tsuey
5
, Mohd Haikal Anuar Adnan
6
, Najwa Afiqa Roshaizad
7
1234567
Center for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and
Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia.
*
Corresponding author
DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100181
Received: 19 November 2025; Accepted: 25 November 2025; Published: 04 December 2025
ABSTRACT
Marital quality is a crucial component of individual well-being and overall family stability. This study examines
how marital adjustment, family life-cycle stages, and financial stress influence marital quality using a
quantitative research design. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics to explore the
relationships among key variables. The findings indicate that levels of marital adjustment and marital quality are
generally high, while financial stress falls within the moderate range. Results from the Kruskal–Wallis test show
no significant differences in marital adjustment across demographic groups. However, ANOVA analyses reveal
significant differences in financial stress based on marital duration and family life-cycle stages, with couples
who are raising children reporting higher levels of stress. Correlation analysis further demonstrates that financial
stress tends to increase as marital duration lengthens, and that family life-cycle stages are negatively associated
with marital quality. Multiple regression analyses confirm that financial stress and life-cycle stages serve as
significant predictors of marital quality, whereas marital adjustment does not. Overall, this study underscores
the importance of effective financial management and strong social support systems in helping couples navigate
marital challenges. The results provide valuable insights for developing programs and interventions aimed at
promoting healthier and more resilient marital relationships.
Keywords: Marital Quality; Financial Stress; Family Life Cycle; Marital Adjustment; Family Well-being
INTRODUCTION
Marriage represents a profound bond that unites two individuals through love, commitment, and companionship.
Yet, the marital journey is rarely linear; it is shaped by transitions and challenges that evolve over time. Couples
experience significant changes—such as child-rearing, career demands, and shifting household
responsibilities—that reconfigure priorities and require continual adaptation. Navigating these transitions
demands open communication, mutual understanding, and emotional support. Divorce, once heavily
stigmatized, is increasingly perceived as a normative outcome when marital unions falter. In Malaysia, the trend
is concerning: based on the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM, 2021), the divorce rate reached 23.58%,
with 43,934 divorces recorded out of 186,297 marriages. These figures underscore the importance of examining
how marital adjustment, family life cycle stages, and financial stress influence marital quality.
Evidence from previous scholarship highlights the central role of marital quality in shaping broader well-being.
A meta-analysis by Robles (2014) demonstrated that marital quality is strongly associated with individual
psychological health, emphasizing its implications beyond the dyadic relationship. Couples often contend with
financial strain, interpersonal conflicts, and pressures from extended family systems. Their capacity to adapt
depends on emotional regulation, communication skills, and effective problem-solving. Cultural values,
religious beliefs, and social support networks further shape how couples respond to stress and navigate change.
Previous research has also drawn attention to the risk factors that undermine marital stability. Grujić (2019)
found that domestic violence and chronic conflicts impair family cohesion and limit adaptability. Understanding
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2279
www.rsisinternational.org
transitions through the family life cycle offers useful insight into relational dynamics and helps inform targeted
interventions. Although many studies have investigated predictors of marital quality, ongoing challenges
indicate the need for continued empirical exploration. Such research holds practical value, equipping individuals
and practitioners with knowledge to identify, prevent, or address common marital problems. Despite extensive
scholarship, notable gaps persist in understanding how family life cycle stages, financial pressures, and
adjustment processes intersect to shape marital satisfaction. For instance, Proulx et al. (2007), through their
review of 66 cross-sectional and 27 longitudinal studies, confirmed that higher marital quality contributes to
better personal well-being. Similarly, rising divorce rates necessitate a deeper and more nuanced understanding
of factors that sustain or erode marital quality. Le Bourdais and Marcil-Gratton (1998) further demonstrated that
instability during childhood has lasting effects on adult relational patterns, including financial struggles. Against
this backdrop, the present study aims to examine the level of marital quality across different family life cycle
stages among Malaysian couples. It also seeks to assess the degree of marital adjustment across these stages and
determine the extent of financial stress experienced by married individuals. In addition, the study investigates
whether differences in adjustment, family life cycle stages, and financial stress correspond with variations in
marital quality according to gender and marital duration. Furthermore, it examines the relationships between
adjustment, life cycle stages, and financial stress with marital quality, and evaluates the extent to which these
variables serve as predictors of marital quality.
Given rising divorce rates and evolving marital expectations, this study offers timely insights for strengthening
marital well-being. A deeper understanding of life cycle transitions and adjustment processes can enhance
household harmony and improve the quality of life for couples. Communication remains a critical determinant
of marital quality. Zakaria et al. (2019) reported that open communication significantly strengthens marital
stability. Recent findings echo this perspective. Kelley et al. (2024) showed that emotional expression and
constructive dialogue help reduce financial stress and improve marital satisfaction. Likewise, Abolghasemi et
al. (2024) found that personality traits such as conscientiousness and agreeableness, combined with effective
communication and conflict-resolution skills, enhance marital satisfaction, especially when reinforced by sound
financial management. Financial stress continues to be a prominent factor influencing marital dissatisfaction.
Sawai et al. (2018) documented a negative relationship between financial strain and marital satisfaction. A 2025
meta-analysis further asserted that shared financial decision-making and alignment on money matters protect
couples from the adverse effects of financial anxiety. Gender variations in financial communication also emerge.
Saxey et al. (2023) found that, for men, marital satisfaction predicts financial communication patterns, whereas
for women, financial behavior influences how communication unfolds. Beyond finances, personality traits and
emotional regulation shape marital outcomes. Liu et al. (2023) reported that neuroticism is associated with higher
divorce risk due to emotional exhaustion and negative partner interactions, particularly under financial pressure.
These findings align with the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation (VSA) model, which posits that marital quality
results from the interaction of personal vulnerabilities, external stressors, and adaptive behaviors.
Broader structural and social factors also influence marital stability. Rosenfeld (2023) highlighted how economic
inequality has reshaped predictors of marital dissolution. The Institute for Family Studies (2023) identified key
determinants of long-term marital stability, including spousal commitment, shared values, perceptions of partner
support (especially for women), and satisfaction with the distribution of responsibilities. Moreover, the timing
of cohabitation emerged as an important predictor of relational outcomes: couples who cohabited before
engagement had a 34% divorce rate, compared to 23% among those who waited until engagement or marriage,
suggesting that early cohabitation may increase relational risks.
In summary, this study addresses a critical gap in understanding the interplay between marital adjustment, life
cycle stages, and financial stress in shaping marital quality. By doing so, it contributes valuable insights to the
academic literature and informs practical interventions aimed at fostering stronger, more resilient marriages in
Malaysia.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study employed a quantitative survey design to examine the contributions of adjustment, family life cycle
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2280
www.rsisinternational.org
stages, and financial stress to marital quality. The survey method was selected for its efficiency in collecting
data within a short time frame and its ability to reach a wide population through online platforms (Evans &
Mathur, 2005).
Population and Sample
A total of 130 married individuals participated in the study. Participants were recruited using non-probability
sampling techniques, including purposive sampling, convenience sampling, and snowball sampling. The sample
consisted of married individuals aged 18 to 60 years, representing a diverse range of sectors, organizations, and
demographic backgrounds across Malaysia.
Data Collection Method
Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire created using Google Forms and disseminated
online via various social media platforms. The questionnaire was provided in both Malay and English to ensure
clarity, inclusivity, and accessibility for respondents with different linguistic preferences.
Research Instruments
The questionnaire was divided into four sections:
Section A gathered demographic information.
Section B assessed marital adjustment using the Adjustment Scale.
Section C measured financial stress and well-being using the Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale
(IFDFW).
Section D evaluated marital quality using the Marital Quality Scale.
A bidirectional translation procedure was employed, translating the instrument from Malay to English and
English to Malay. Formal permission to use the original instruments was obtained prior to translation. The
translated version was reviewed by the research supervisor to ensure accuracy, cultural relevance, and
consistency with the original scales.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Both descriptive
and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to address the study’s research objectives and hypotheses.
RESULT
Table 1 shows that the respondents consisted of 130 participants in the study, including males and females from
Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic groups who are married.
Table 1: Frequency and Percentage of Respondents’ Demographic Information
Demographic
Frequency (n)
Percentage (%)
Gender
Male
20
15.4
Female
110
84.6
Ethnicity
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2281
www.rsisinternational.org
Malay
117
Chinese
8
Indian
1
Others
4
Family Life Cycle
Newly married (no children yet)
33
New parents (have a baby)
34
Preschool family (have a preschool-aged child)
13
School-age family (eldest child aged 6–12 years)
12
Family with teenagers (eldest child aged 12–16 years)
8
Family with young adults (eldest child aged 16–20 years)
5
Launching family (children beginning to leave home for college or
university)
17
Post-parenting family (after children have left home)
6
Aging family
2
Duration of Marriage
1–10 years
85
11–20 years
21
21–30 years
19
More than 31 years
5
Table 2 demonstrates that the level of adjustment among married individuals in Malaysia is high, with a mean
score of 49.26 and a standard deviation of 7.20. This suggests that, on average, respondents report a strong
capacity to adapt to marital roles and responsibilities. The level of financial stress is found to be moderate,
indicated by a mean score of 45.95 and a relatively larger standard deviation of 17.63, reflecting greater
variability in financial experiences among respondents. Meanwhile, marital quality is also high, as shown by a
mean score of 103.22 and a standard deviation of 13.22. This implies that most married individuals in the sample
perceive their relationships as generally stable, satisfying, and supportive.
Table 2: Levels of Adjustment, Financial Stress, and Marital Quality
Minimum
Maximum
Min
Standard Deviation
Family Life Cycle
1
9
3.41
2.38
Adjustment Score
25.00
63.00
49.26
7.20
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2282
www.rsisinternational.org
Financial Stress Score
8.00
80.00
45.95
17.63
Marital Quality Score
44.00
115.00
103.22
13.22
The Kruskal–Wallis test was employed to examine differences in adjustment levels based on gender, ethnicity,
family life cycle stages, and duration of marriage due to the non-normal distribution of the data. The analysis
revealed no significant differences in adjustment across any of the variables studied, including gender (H (1) =
0.18, p = 0.67), duration of marriage (H(3) = 2.39, p = 0.50), ethnicity (H(3) = 3.70, p = 0.30), and family life
cycle stages (H(8) = 9.39, p = 0.32). These results indicate that marital adjustment remains relatively consistent
regardless of demographic background, marital duration, or life cycle stage.
Table 3: Group Differences in Adjustment Levels Based on Family Life Cycle, Duration of Marriage, Gender,
and Ethnicity
Kruskal-Wallis H
df
Sig.
Gender
.18
1
.67
Duration of Marriage
2.39
3
.50
Ethnicity
3.70
3
.30
Family Life Cycle
9.39
8
.32
ANOVA was used to analyze differences in financial stress based on family life cycle, duration of marriage,
gender, and ethnicity for normally distributed data. Table 4 shows no significant difference between genders,
with mean scores for males (M = 46.70, SD = 19.48) and females (M = 45.82, SD = 17.63). The ANOVA test
confirmed that this difference was not significant, F(1,128) = 0.042, p = 0.84.
Table 4: Group Differences in Financial Stress Levels Based on Gender
Factor
Male
Female
F
Sig.
M
SP
M
SP
Financial Stress
46.70
19.48
45.82
17.63
.042
.84
Table 5 shows the differences in financial stress based on ethnicity. The mean financial stress scores were 46.14
(SD = 17.52) for Malays, 20.00 (SD = 0.00) for Indians, 51.63 (SD = 18.27) for Chinese, and 35.75 (SD = 16.03)
for other ethnic groups. However, the ANOVA test indicated that these differences were not statistically
significant, F(3,126) = 1.167, p = 0.23.
Table 5: Group Differences in Financial Stress Based on Ethnicity
Factor
Malay
Indian
Chinese
Others
F
Sig.
M
SP
M
SP
M
SP
M
SP
Financial
Stress
46.14
17.52
20.00
-
51.63
18.27
35.75
16.03
1.47
.23
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2283
www.rsisinternational.org
Table 6 shows the differences in financial stress based on the duration of marriage. The mean financial stress
scores for couples married 1–10 years was 41.03 (SD = 16.25), 11–20 years was 50.38 (SD = 18.11), 21–30
years was 57.47 (SD = 13.98), and more than 31 years was 67.20 (SD = 12.07). The ANOVA test indicated that
these differences were significant, F(3,126) = 9.27, p = 0.00.
Table 6: Group Differences in Financial Stress Based on Duration of Marriage
Faktor
1-10 years
11-20 years
21-30 years
More than 31
years
F
Sig.
M
SP
M
SP
M
SP
M
SP
Finacial Stress
41.03
16.25
50.38
18.11
57.47
13.98
67.20
12.07
9.27
.00*
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study indicate that the level of marital adjustment among married individuals in Malaysia is
generally high, aligning with previous research such as Christopher et al. (2015). However, marital quality
appears to be shaped by multiple contextual factors, particularly financial stress and stages in the family life
cycle. Although adjustment levels are high, this factor alone does not necessarily translate into higher marital
quality. The study further revealed that financial stress among respondents is at a moderate level, while overall
marital quality remains high. Results from the Kruskal–Wallis test indicated no significant differences in
adjustment based on gender, ethnicity, marital duration, or family life cycle stages. These findings suggest that
demographic factors do not substantially influence marital adjustment.
In contrast, ANOVA results showed significant differences in financial stress across marital duration and family
life cycle stages. This suggests that financial stress tends to increase as marriage lengthens and family
responsibilities become more complex. This pattern is consistent with the findings of Sawai et al. (2018) and
Kerkmann et al. (2000), who highlighted the critical role of financial management in sustaining marital
satisfaction. Regarding marital quality, both marital duration and family life cycle stages were found to exert
significant influence. Allendorf and Ghimire (2013) similarly reported that couples married for longer periods
often experience higher levels of marital quality. Correlation analysis in this study further demonstrated that
financial stress is negatively associated with marital quality, whereas transitions within the family life cycle
show a modest but noticeable reduction in satisfaction.
Finally, regression analysis confirmed that financial stress and family life cycle stages serve as significant
predictors of marital quality, whereas marital adjustment did not exhibit a significant direct effect within the
model. These findings underscore the importance of addressing financial pressures and understanding family
developmental transitions when examining marital well-being in Malaysia.
CONCLUSIONS
This study offers important insights into how financial stress, marital duration, and family life cycle stages
influence marital quality. The findings suggest that financial stress emerges as a significant challenge,
particularly during the child-rearing phase, when increased responsibilities and expenses may place strain on the
marital relationship. This pattern is consistent with the Family Life Cycle Theory, which posits that each
developmental stage introduces unique demands that require couples to adapt both emotionally and practically.
From an applied perspective, the findings hold meaningful implications for marriage counselors and practitioners
working in the field of family well-being. The results can inform the development of targeted intervention
programs that address financial pressures and strengthen marital adjustment. For example, newly married
couples may benefit from foundational financial management training, while couples with young children may
require more structured planning support and enhanced emotional coping strategies. The study also offers
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2284
www.rsisinternational.org
recommendations for policymakers. Family-supportive initiatives such as childcare subsidies, tax incentives,
and the incorporation of financial literacy modules into pre-marital education could help reduce financial strain
and reinforce marital stability. Such measures have the potential to support families across different stages of
development by addressing systemic sources of stress. Despite its contributions, this study is not without
limitations. The relatively small and homogenous sample restricts the generalizability of the findings. Future
research should include larger and more diverse samples to capture broader variations in marital experiences.
Additionally, cross-cultural comparative studies are recommended to determine whether the observed patterns
apply across Malaysia’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups or in international contexts.
REFERENCES
1. Abolghasemi, A., Gholami, S., & Kord Tamini, B. (2024). The relationship between personality traits,
communication skills, financial management, and marital satisfaction among Iranian couples. Journal of
Education and Health Promotion, 13, 39. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1264_22
2. Allendorf, K., & Ghimire, D. J. (2013). Determinants of marital quality in an arranged marriage society.
Social Science Research, 42(1), 59–70.
3. Amato, P. R., & Hohmann‐Marriott, B. (2007). A comparison of high‐ and low‐distress marriages that
end in divorce. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69(3), 621–638.
4. Barros, R. D. S. N., Soares, A. B., & Hernandez, J. A. E. (2019). Social skills, empathy, love, and
satisfaction in the family life cycle. Estudos de Psicologia (Campinas), 36.
5. Barton, A. W., Futris, T. G., & Nielsen, R. B. (2015). Linking financial distress to marital quality: The
intermediary roles of demand/withdraw and spousal gratitude expressions. Personal Relationships, 22(3),
536–549.
6. Christopher, C., Umemura, T., Mann, T., Jacobvitz, D., & Hazen, N. (2015). Marital quality over the
transition to parenthood as a predictor of coparenting. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(12), 3636–
3651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-015-0172-0
7. Copur, Z., & Eker, I. (2014). The relationship between financial issues and marital relationship.
International Journal of Arts & Sciences, 7(5), 683.
8. Evans, J. R., & Mathur, A. (2005). The value of online surveys. Internet Research, 15(2), 195–219.
https://doi.org/10.1108/10662240510590360
9. Fallah, M., Naz, M. S. G., Ozgoli, G., Mehrabi, Y., Farnam, F., & Bakhtyari, M. (2018). Correlation of
women’s marital and sexual satisfaction in different family life cycle stages in Khorram Abad, Iran.
International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences, 6(4), 432–437.
https://doi.org/10.15296/ijwhr.2018.72
10. Grujić, L. S. (2019). The association between conative functioning of adolescents exposed to intimate
partner violence and family dimensions of cohesion and adaptability. Vojnosanitetski Pregled, 76(9),
913–920. https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP170514009S
11. Hwai, E. R. K. (2022). Relationship between family life cycle and marital satisfaction among individuals
married in the Catholic Church in Guadalupe Parish, Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya (Doctoral
dissertation, Tangaza University College).
12. Kelley, H. H., LeBaron, A. B., & Hill, E. J. (2018). Financial stress and marital quality: The moderating
influence of couple communication. Journal of Financial Therapy, 9(2), 3.
13. Kelley, H. H., LeBaron-Black, A., & Hill, E. J. (2024). Thriving together: Mastering communication to
conquer financial stress in your marriage. Brigham Young University Family Life Blog. https://lebaron-
black.byu.edu/thriving-together-mastering-communication-to-conquer-financial-stress-in-your-
marriage
14. Kerkmann, B. C., Lee, T. R., Lown, J. M., & Allgood, S. M. (2000). Financial management, financial
problems and marital satisfaction among recently married university students. Journal of Financial
Counseling and Planning, 11(2), 55.
15. Liu, J., Xu, Y., & Li, Q. (2023). Effects of neuroticism on divorce proneness: A moderated mediation
model. Journal of Affective Disorders, 324, 245–252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.014
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 2285
www.rsisinternational.org
16. O’Neil, B. (2025). Financial communication in marriage: A meta-analytic review of adaptive processes.
Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 46(1), 134–155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-024-09977-5
17. Proulx, C. M., Helms, H. M., & Buehler, C. (2007). Marital quality and personal well‐being: A meta‐
analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69(3), 576–593.
18. Robles, T. F. (2014). Marital quality and health. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(6),
427–432. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414549043
19. Romney, J., Austin, K., Fife, S. T., Sanders, D., & Snyder, H. (2021). Stress experienced and meaning
making of couples with children with autism spectrum disorder: A phenomenological study. The
American Journal of Family Therapy, 49(1), 37–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2020.1813654
20. Rosenfeld, M. J. (2023). Shifting predictors of divorce: Evidence from 1970 to 2020. Journal of Marriage
and Family, 85(1), 22–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12932
21. Sawai, J. P., Juhari, R., Kahar, R., Ismail, Z., & Sawai, R. P. (2018). Financial strain, financial
management practices, marital satisfaction and marital stability among newlyweds. Management &
Accounting Review, 17(3), 1–16.
22. Saxey, M. T., Hill, E. J., Leavitt, C. E., & Taylor, R. J. (2023). Newlywed financial behaviors and
communication: Predictors of relationship outcomes for men and women. Journal of Social and Personal
Relationships, 40(2), 623–645. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221149967
23. Wilcox, W. B. (2023). What’s the plan? Cohabitation, engagement, and divorce. Institute for Family
Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/number-5-in-2023-whats-the-plan-cohabitation-engagement-and-
divorc
24. Wilcox, W. B., & Rothwell, J. (2023). For better: Four proven ways to a strong and stable marriage.
Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/for-better-four-proven-ways-to-a-strong-
and-stable-marriage
25. Yakymchuk, I. P., Olhgovetskyi, S. M., Rashkovska, I. V., Bevz, H. M., & Martseniuk, M. O. (2021).
Experiencing and overcoming financial stress in married couples: A study in COVID-19 pandemic era.
Amazonia Investiga, 10(42), 124–140. https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2021.42.06.12
26. Zakaria, S. M., Nen, S., Badayai, A. R. A., & Lazim, N. H. M. (2019). Kualiti perkahwinan pada fasa
pertama perkahwinan (1–10 tahun): Pengaruh gaya komunikasi dan penyesuaian hidup. e-BANGI, 16,
1–11.