Personality Traits and Attachment Styles as Predictors of Marital Satisfaction among Employed Married Women in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study discussed the effect of Personality Traits and Attachment Styles as Predictors of Marital
Satisfaction among Employed Married Women in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Marital
satisfaction is an essential aspect of life quality and psychological well-being, particularly for
women balancing the demands of marriage and employment. In Nigeria, and specifically Yobe
State, the dynamics of marital satisfaction are influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors,
making it a critical area of study. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to two hundred
(200) respondents from various job sectors (e.g., education, healthcare, government) are included,
making the sample more representative within Damaturu metropolis in which out of which 182
copies were retrieved and used for the analysis. The data collected was subjected to a descriptive
Statistics: To summarize the demographic information, as well as the mean and standard
deviations for personality traits, attachment styles, and marital satisfaction. Pearson’s
Correlation Coefficient and Multiple regression. To examine the relationship between personality
traits and marital satisfaction, allowing us to identify the strength and direction of these
relationships. Then Analysis of Variance (ANOVA): To examine if there are significant differences
in marital satisfaction among the different attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant). Aided by
statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study findings revealed that Extraversion
personality trait had a significant negative correlation with low marital satisfaction at (r = -.449,
p<.05). This implies that negative and significant relationship does exist between Extraversion
personality trait and marital satisfaction. Similarly, Agreeableness personality trait had a
significant negative correlation with marital satisfaction at (r = -.819, p<.05). Neuroticism
personality trait had a significant positive correlation with marital satisfaction. Secure attachment
style had a significant negative correlation with marital satisfaction at (r = -.862, p<.05). Avoidant
attachment style, had a significant positive correlation with marital satisfaction at (r = .881,
p<.05). Anxious attachment style, similarly to avoidant attachment style had a significant positive
correlation with marital satisfaction at (r = .875, p<.05). This means that anxious attachment style
has significant positive relationship with marital satisfaction. The study therefore recommended
that workplace Support for Married Women in Organizations could provide counseling services
or work-life balance programs that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by employed married
women, thus indirectly enhancing marital satisfaction also Marriage Counseling Programs should
incorporate personality assessment and attachment style discussions in marriage counseling
sessions. Such programs can help couples understand their differences and work towards healthier
marital relationships and among others.