Marital conflict and marital satisfaction among Latina mothers: A comparison of participants in an early intervention program and non-participants.

• Main Author: Flores, Marisa J.
• Other Authors: Nievar, Angela
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2008
• Subjects: Marriage; Latina; marital satisfaction; Hispanic American women.; Marital conflict.; Marriage > Psychological aspects.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc9104/

The purpose of the study was to better understand marital conflict and marital satisfaction among Latina mothers in the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. Latina mothers living in a marriage or in a committed relationship (n = 91) reported levels of marital conflict and marital satisfaction. Between both groups, non-HIPPY mothers reported significantly less marital satisfaction and more conflict associated with affection than HIPPY mothers. A negative correlation (r = -.495, p <.001, n = 91) indicated that more satisfaction was related to less marital conflict. Out of ten marital conflicts, religion, leisure time, drinking, and other women (outside the relationship) best explained how satisfied mothers were in their relationship with their spouse. In this study, participants who were in the HIPPY program may have more support and higher marital quality. Social service programs such as HIPPY may help families build stronger marriages. Further research on Latino/Hispanic culture and values are important when developing culturally sensitive marriage and couples education.