Psychosocial predictors of marital satisfaction among newlywed couples, a case study of selected parishes at the archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Marital satisfaction was identified as a critical determinant of individual well-being and family stability, yet its psychosocial predictors remained underexplored within the Kenyan context, particularly among newlywed couples. This study therefore examined the extent to which psychosocial factors predicted marital satisfaction among newlywed couples in select parishes within the Archdiocese of Nairobi. The main objectives of the study were to determine the level of marital satisfaction among newlywed couples in the Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), to establish the extent to which personality traits could predict marital satisfaction, to assess whether social support predicted marital satisfaction, and to develop an evidence-based intervention model to enhance marital satisfaction. Anchored in the Big Five Personality Traits Theory and Social Exchange Theory, the study explored how individual dispositions—such as extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness—and perceived social support from family, friends, and clergy influenced marital contentment during the formative years of marriage. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and employed a census sampling technique, targeting 108 newlywed individuals from Divine Mercy Kariobangi and Ngarariga Parishes. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and the response rate was 100 out of the 108 targeted. Data was analyzed using the Microsoft’s Power BI and descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to assess the the predictive strength of the identified psychosocial factors. Findings indicated that 63% of the respondents reported moderate marital satisfaction, 22% reported high satisfaction, while 15% fell within the low satisfaction category. This suggested that while most newlyweds experienced relatively stable relationships, a notable portion faced adjustment challenges typical of early marital life. Regression analyses revealed that personality traits significantly predicted marital satisfaction, leading to the rejection of the first null hypothesis (H₀₁). The regression model was statistically significant, F(5, 94) = 7.09, p < .001, with an adjusted R² of .28, indicating that 28% of the variance in marital satisfaction could be explained by personality traits. Specifically, Conscientiousness (B = 10.54, p < .001), Agreeableness (B = 6.10, p = .011), and Extraversion (B = 6.01, p = .018) were found to be positive predictors, whereas Neuroticism (B = -5.23, p = .003) was a significant negative predictor. Openness (B = 0.93, p = .627) was not significant. When social support was added to the regression model, the explanatory power improved considerably, F(6, 93) = 11.03, p < .001, with an adjusted R² of .37. Social support emerged as a significant positive predictor of marital satisfaction (B = 2.02, p < .001), leading to the rejection of the second null hypothesis (H₀₂). Individuals who reported higher levels of perceived support from their families, friends, and faith communities also reported greater satisfaction and emotional stability within their relationships. Additionally, the findings on intervention preferences and support needs showed that 67% of the newlyweds identified financial planning and budgeting as their most desired form of support, followed by spiritual guidance and prayer (58%), premarital refresher sessions (44%), and marital enrichment workshops (39%). The most cited challenges included financial strain (48%), role expectations and household responsibilities (39%), and in-law relations (32%). Faith-based counselling (57%) was the most preferred mode of intervention, and 59% emphasized the importance of integrating spirituality into marital support programs. Based on these findings, a practical and culturally grounded intervention model was developed, emphasizing personality-informed counselling, faith-based support systems, and community-based enrichment programs. The study concluded that both individual personality traits and social support networks play vital roles in shaping marital satisfaction. The findings were expected to inform church-based counselling practices, psychological interventions, and policy strategies aimed at strengthening marital relationships within religious and community settings.