The relationship between mutually responsive orientation, perceived mutual social support and marital satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to examine how mutual sensitivity during the socialization process in the family of origin is related to marital satisfaction in married men and women through perceived mutual social support in adulthood. Specifically, mutually responsive orientation (MRO) was used as an overarching concept to understand the reciprocal influence that develops between parent and child. MRO was conceptualized as an antecedent of perceived mutual support, which in turn was hypothesized to have an indirect positive effect on marital satisfaction. Therefore, this study tested a model to understand the impact of MRO on marital satisfaction through perceived mutual social support. MRO, mutual perceived social support, and marital satisfaction were measured along with demographic variables in a sample of 402 married individuals. MRO was measured with a scale developed by this study. The results revealed adequate psychometric properties of the scale. Testing the proposed mediation effect provided sufficient evidence for full mediation. The findings were discussed with relevant literature references and practice recommendations for psychological counselors were presented.