Perceived Support, Trust, and Relationship Quality among Married Individuals in Pakistan

Abstract

Marital relationship quality plays a crucial role in determining an individual's psychological health, emotional stability, and overall family functioning. Perceived support and the presence of trust are considered essential factors that help build and maintain healthy and fulfilling marital relationships. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional design. A total of 300 married individuals aged between 20 to 50 years were asked to complete a questionnaire that included a demographic form, the Couple Support Behavior Questionnaire (CSBQ), the Trust Scale, and the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Scale. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, reliability testing, Pearson correlation, hierarchical multiple regression, and moderation analysis used to test the study's hypotheses. The study found that perceived support had a positive connection with trust (r = .55) and relationship quality (r = .61). Trust was also positively linked with relationship quality (r = .68). Both perceived support and trust were significant predictors of relationship quality. Men reported higher levels of support, trust, and relationship quality compared to women. These findings highlight the importance of supportive communication and trust in marital counseling. However, the study's design and sampling method limit the ability to draw causal conclusions or generalize the results.