Married individuals perceived social support and i̇ts relation to defense mechanisms they use with marital adjustment

In this study, examination of the influence of marital adjustment in the relation of married individuals' perceived social support and defense mechanisms. The data were obtained from 75 males and 75 with their voluntary participation and with their survey responses. Sample of the study consisted of 150 married individuals between 18 and 65 years old, living in İstanbul. For collecting information about research variables, certain surveys were provided to the participants. For demographic variables, "Demographic Information Form", for perceived social support "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support", for defense mechanisms "Defense Style Questionnaire", and for marital adjustment, "Marital Adjustment Questionnaire" were used as data collection tools provided to the participants. This study included descriptive and comparative analyses regarding research variables and the relationship with each other. Based on the results of the study, findings related to the association among marital adjustment, defense mechanisms, and perceived social support were found as significantly correlated. Marital adjustment was found as significantly and positively correlated with the subscales of perceived social support including family, friends, and a special person. Additionally, Scores of neurotic defenses were reported as higher among males having dissatisfied marriages. Scores of neurotic defenses were also found as higher among individuals having only child and an unhappy marriage. Mature defenses were found as higher among graduates as well as having higher socioeconomic status. Individuals with higher socioeconomic status also reported higher scores in neurotic defenses. The results regarding perceived social support and its relationship with other research variables indicated that immature defenses were found significantly and negatively correlated with the subscales of perceived social support. Moreover, demographic variables regarding marriage and family life indicated that females reported significantly higher scores in perceived family support than males. Perceived social support also found as significantly higher based on the variables including occupation, job and socioeconomic status. Perceived social support from a special person was found significantly higher based on years of marriage and types of marriage. Besides, individuals having a happy marriages with having only child reported higher scores in three subscales of perceived social support.