MODERATING ROLES OF SELF-EFFICACY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARITAL SATISFACTION AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERPETUATION AMONG MARRIED INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Poor satisfaction in marriage may be a foundation for domestic violence, through frustration-aggression. However, belief in self to overcome marital issues and evident social support may help prevent the relationship. The study explored how self-efficacy and perceived social support moderates the relationship between marital satisfaction and domestic violence. A total of 221 married people (86 men, and 135 women), conveniently sampled across Abakaliki metropolis participated in the study. Multiple linear regression was adopted to analyze study data, utilizing Hayes’ PROCESS macro to assess the moderation effects. The result showed that marital satisfaction, self-efficacy, and perceived social support were negatively related to domestic violence. Furthermore, the study showed that while perceived social support moderated the relationship between marital satisfaction and domestic violence, self-efficacy did not show moderation. The results show the importance of social support in navigating life and marital challenges, preventing them from escalating into negative outcomes. Married individuals should leverage social support around them to help them in the time of marital challenges

Keywords; Self-efficacy, Social Support, Domestic Violence, Married men/women