Marital satisfaction of South Asian migrants settled in Australia

Abstract

South Asian married migrants (N = 191), settled in Australia, completed online measures and open-ended questions about their demographics and marital satisfaction. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Logical hierarchical regression indicated that women had lower levels of marital satisfaction, while an increase in the number of, education, full-time employment, as well as self-reported ‘good’ relationship with their spouse, increased marital satisfaction. The qualitative findings endorsed having a happy and gratifying relationship and communication with spouse, support from extended families, participation in cultural and community activities, and cultural and religious beliefs, as facilitators of high marital satisfaction. Marital satisfaction was negatively impacted by restrictive socio-cultural norms, patriarchy and gendered roles/responsibilities, interference by extended family, poor communication skills, and spousal conflicts over varying needs, expectations, and views. The findings address gaps in literature and assist in developing appropriate services and policies to support South Asian migrants settled in Western countries.