Marital Satisfaction in Late Life: Sociodemographic and Psychological Correlates Among Iranian Older Adults

Abstract

Marital satisfaction is essential for older adults’ well-being. This cross-sectional study examined sociodemographic and psychological factors influencing marital satisfaction among 363 older adults in Semnan, Iran (mean age 65.42 ± 5.24 years; 58.1% male; mean marriage duration 42.09 ± 7.13 years). Data were collected in 2024 using the Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire for Older Persons, Brief Aging Perception Questionnaire, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Non-parametric tests were applied with significance set at p < .05. Mean scores for marital satisfaction, aging perception, and self-esteem were 99.85 ± 17.09, 54.81 ± 8.22, and 23.66 ± 2.19, respectively. Men, retirees, and those with better health and economic status had significantly higher marital satisfaction. Monthly income and age correlated positively with all marital satisfaction dimensions, while a negative perception of aging correlated with lower satisfaction regarding the spouse’s health. These findings highlight the interplay of sociodemographic and psychological factors in marital satisfaction, suggesting targeted interventions for older adults.

Keywords

marital satisfaction aged self-concept aging Iran

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