Exploring the Dynamics of Marital Commitment,Communication Patterns,and Conflict Handling: Insights From Women in Child Marriages

Abstract

This research delves into the intricate dynamics of marital commitment, communication patterns, and conflict handling among women experiencing child marriages in Pakistan. This scientific research employs a quantitative research design and survey-based methodology to investigate the intricate dynamics of marital commitment, communication patterns, and conflict handling among women experiencing child marriages in Pakistan. The study aims to comprehensively explore the interconnections among crucial variables within this specific demographic. A sample of 260 women, aged 16 to 35, with child marriages, was selected using a snowball sampling technique. Inclusion criteria encompassed women married before 18, aged ≤35, married for at least 2 years, and possessing a minimum of primary education. The research employed the Urdu versions of the Social and Emotional Competence Questionnaire (SECQ), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Romantic Partner Conflict Scale (RPCS), Communication Patterns Questionnaire: Short Form (CPQ), Dimensions of Commitment Inventory (DCI), and Social Dominance Orientation Scale (SDO). Stepwise regression analyses are employed to unravel the predictive power of marital commitment, communication patterns, conflict handling, and social and emotional competence on marital quality. Results reveal significant insights into the complex relationships within the studied population. The findings highlight the idea of integrating community-based support networks to enhance the effectiveness of counseling interventions. Globally, these insights contribute to a broader understanding of child marriages, offering strategies that can be adapted across cultures to support women in similar situations. By focusing on these new approaches, counselors can help improve the mental health and marital outcomes of women in child marriages, both within Pakistan and internationally.

Keywords

child marriages marital commitment communication patterns conflict handling social-emotional competence community-based support networks

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