Tolerance of uncertainty and personality types as predictors of conflict resolution strategies in married individuals

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which married individuals' conflict resolution strategies are predicted by demographic variables such as intolerance of uncertainty (forward-looking anxiety and inhibitory anxiety), personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, self-control, etc.), gender, age, education level, number of children, and length of marriage. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach within the framework of a correlational survey model. The sample consisted of a total of 375 participants, including 226 women and 149 men who were married and living throughout Turkey. Data were collected using online forms, including the Conflict Resolution Strategies Inventory, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Five-Factor Personality Scale, and the Demographic Information Form. The obtained data were first analyzed using descriptive statistics, followed by correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. According to the findings, when personality traits were evaluated, participants scored highest on the trait of agreeableness (x = 8.25, ss = 1.97), followed by the trait of self-control (x = 7.90, ss = 2.15). Among the sub-dimensions of intolerance of uncertainty, the forward-looking anxiety variable (x = 24.55, ss = 6.47) was found to be higher than the inhibitory anxiety variable (x = 16.62, ss = 5.70). The destructive conflict resolution strategy was positively predicted by the variables of future-oriented anxiety, inhibitory anxiety, and neuroticism, while it was negatively predicted by the variables of agreeableness and self-control. The active conflict resolution strategy was most strongly predicted by the variables of agreeableness, self-control, and extraversion in a positive direction, while the neuroticism variable had a negative effect on this strategy. In the passive conflict resolution strategy, there are generally low levels of relationships. Inhibitory anxiety positively affects forward-looking anxiety variables. In conclusion, the findings show that the psychological characteristics and tolerance levels of uncertainty discussed in the study play an important role in the conflict resolution strategies adopted in marital relationships.