Family Structure and Couple Satisfaction: A Gender-Moderated Analysis of Joint and Nuclear Households

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of joint and nuclear family structure on couple satisfaction in Pakistan, moderated by gender. A quantitative correlational design was employed. 150 married adults were asked to fill the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI 16). The collected data were analysed through t tests and regression using SPSS-26. The findings revealed that couples residing in nuclear family exhibited higher couple satisfaction as compared to those residing in joint family. No significant moderating effect of gender was found, however, the descriptive findings revealed that men in nuclear families experienced higher couple satisfaction as compared to men in joint families. The findings further revealed that young couples having fewer children reported higher couple satisfaction. The findings of the study are significant in view of changes in family structures and demographic changes and its impact on the couple satisfaction in Pakistan and need for culturally sensitized interventions and support systems.