Investigation of the relationship between marrial adjustment and altruism and empathic tendencies in married individuals

Marriage, as an institution where the foundations of the family, which is the smallest structural unit of society, are laid, is a concept of both psychological and sociological importance. The compatibility of couples with each other and the satisfaction they get from marriage are also determining factors. Empathic attitudes and altruistic behaviors are seen as important in marriage with their contributions to the individual's psychological well-being. The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between the marital adjustment levels of married individuals, altruistic behaviors and empathy attitudes and to investigate the variables that are thought to be effective. A questionnaire including sociodemographic information form, Marriage Adjustment Scale, Empathic Tendency Scale and Altruism Scale were applied in the study. A total of 424 people, 210 men and 214 women, participated in the study. According to the demographic variables determined by the researcher, it was observed that the marital adjustment, empathy and altruism levels of the participants differed significantly. Positive relationships were found between marital adjustment and empathic disposition and altruism. In addition, altruistic behaviors stemming from a sense of intimacy and empathic disposition significantly predict marital adjustment. The findings provide up-to-date information to the literature in understanding the harmony between couples and the quality of marriage. It contains useful findings for both couples and experts.