The Extent of Marital Conflicts and Coping Strategies Employed Among

Couples of Barangay Root,

Dingras, Ilocos Norte

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course

Master of Arts in Nursing

Herminia_Abaya,
Arlene L. Anonuevo,
Kathlyn L. Banigan,
Halston R. Castro,
Fermina Henedine P. Corpuz,
Ma. Erphila S. Maloom,
Ma. Cecilia A. Nalupta,
Jasmin Joy C. Salcedo,
Lourdella V. Saguiguit,

Northwestern University
Vedasto J. Samonte School of Graduate Studies
Graduate School
Laoag, City

March 2010
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER

I The Problem 1
Statement of the Problem 3
Objectives of the Study 4
Significance of the Study 6
Scope, Limitations, and Delimitations 7
Definition of Terms 7

II Theoretical Framework 11
Types of Conflicts 11
Coping Strategies of Marital Conflicts 15
Conceptual Framework 20
Research Hypothesis (Null) 29

III Methodology 30
Research Design 30
Research Locale 31
Population and Sampling 31
Research Instrument 32
Data Gathering Procedure 32
Statistical Treatment 33
Herminia_Abaya, Arlene L. Anonuevo, Kathlyn L. Banigan, Halston R. Castro, Fermina

Henedine P. Corpuz, Ma. Erphila S. Maloom, Ma. Cecilia A. Nalupta, Jasmin Joy C.

Salcedo, Lourdella V. Saguiguit, , VJSSGS, March 21, 2010. EXTENT OF MARITAL

CONFLICTS AND COPING STRATEGIES EMPLOYED AMONG COUPLES AT

BARANGAY ROOT, DINGRAS, ILOCOS NORTE.

The study was geared towards determining the extent of marItial conflicts

encountered and coping strategies employed by married couples. Specifically, it sought to

answer the following questions:

What are the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents as to: age, sex,

occupation, monthly income, educational attainment, religion, type of

family, number of children and number of years married?

What is the extent of conflict encountered as to: money, power, sexual

difficulties, jealousy and possessiveness and behavior differences?

What is the extent of coping strategies employed?

Is there a significant relationship between profile of the respondent and extent of

conflict encountered and between profile of the respondent and extent of coping

mechanism employed?

A descriptive correlational was utilized to show the extent of conflict encountered

and coping strategies employed among married couples in Barangay Root, Dingras,

Ilocos Norte. The study predominantly described the variables which would include the

extent of conflict encountered and coping strategies employed as well as their socio-

demographic profile. The relationship of the socio-demographic profile of respondent on

the extent of conflict encountered was determined then followed by the determination of

the relationship of the profile of the respondent on the coping strategies employed. The

study was also evaluative to evaluate the extent of conflicts encountered and coping

strategies employed by married couples. A structured questionnaire was the main tool

that was used in obtaining the necessary information. Gathered data were summarized,

analyzed and interpreted.

Data were analyzed using the frequency count, percentage and weighted average

mean. The use of Pearson r and Point Biserial was also employed to make the

correlational part of the study.

The study concluded that married respondents are predominantly female and are

within their late mid years of lives. They are married for about 5 years and above,

attained high level of education that cause them to be employed. They earn an average

income of P5, 001 and above, Roman Catholics belonging to nuclear type of family

having at most three children. The primary cause of conflict encountered by the

respondents is power whereas sexual difficulties are the least cause of marital conflicts.

Married couples recourse when having conflicts with their partner is more on solving the

problem by themselves without the use of violence and always praying to God to solve

immediately the conflicts. Gender is significantly related to the extent of conflict

specifically with roles and responsibilities. All the other factors are not significantly

related to gender. Occupation is significantly related to the extent of conflict except

income. Type of family is significantly related to the extent of conflict specifically in

terms of roles and responsibilities. All the other factors are not significantly related to

type of family. Age, monthly income, educational attainment, religion, number of

children, and number of years married are not significantly related to the extent of

conflicts encountered by married couples.

The study recommends that married couples should be enlightened with the

findings of this research by attending stress management to enhance their coping abilities

to resolve marital conflict. The local government particularly the rural health center will

conduct health education classes catering to married couples to discuss causes of marital

conflict and how to manage such conflicts utilizing the appropriate coping mechanisms.

A qualitative study is recommended to have an in-depth analysis of the extent of marital

conflicts encountered by married couples and coping strategies which they employ.

Nursing instructors should enhance in their syllabus the different stress management

techniques so as nursing students will impart such knowledge to married couples for

them to be knowledgeable in stress management thereby helps in the reduction of

conflicts. Married couples will continue on seeking guidance from the Almighty in

resolving encountered conflicts by encouraging them to indulge them to spiritual

gathering.