The Role of Social Comparison in Shaping Self-Esteem and Marital Adjustment Among Dual-Income Couples
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.2419Keywords:
Relationship Social Comparison, Relationship-Contingent Self-Esteem, Marital Adjustment, Dual-Income Couples, Marriage, PakistanAbstract
The present study investigated the relationship among relationship social comparison, relationship-contingent self-esteem, and marital adjustment among dual-income couples in Pakistan. As the number of dual-income families continues to increase, understanding the psychological factors influencing marital relationships has become increasingly important. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional correlational research design to examine the associations among the study variables. A total of 100 married individuals (39 males and 61 females) from dual-income families residing in Sialkot and surrounding areas of Pakistan participated in the study. Participants were recruited using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Relationship Social Comparison Scale (RSCS), Relationship-Contingent Self-Esteem Scale (RCSES), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, and multiple regression analysis, were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between relationship social comparison and relationship-contingent self-esteem (r = .218, p < .05). Relationship-contingent self-esteem was also positively associated with marital adjustment (r = .205, p < .05). Furthermore, relationship social comparison demonstrated a strong positive relationship with marital adjustment (r = .710, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis indicated that relationship social comparison significantly predicted marital adjustment (β = .963, p < .001), whereas relationship-contingent self-esteem did not emerge as a significant independent predictor after controlling for relationship social comparison (β = .082, p = .262). The findings suggest that, within the collectivistic cultural context of Pakistan, relationship social comparison may function as an adaptive process that promotes marital adjustment rather than undermining relationship quality. The study contributes to the literature on relationship psychology by providing empirical evidence regarding the psychological dynamics of dual-income couples and offers practical implications for marriage counselors, psychologists, and family therapists working to strengthen marital relationships.
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