A comparative study of marital satisfaction, trust and intimacy among wives in long distance and geographically close relationships

Abstract

This study aims to know and compare the marital satisfaction, trust and intimacy of wives in long distance and geographically close relationships. Forty (40) wives of seafarers from Miagao, Iloilo were selected through referral sampling for the long distance relationship and 40 wives from Lapaz, Iloilo City were selected through convenience sampling for the geographically close relationship. Four (4) respondents were interviewed for each type of relationship. Four (4) instruments were utilized namely: Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale, Trust in Close Relationships Scale, Miller Social Intimacy Scale, and an interview guide developed by the researchers. Results showed that the respondents are generally satisfied, trusting, and are intimate with their partners. Wives in long distance and geographically close relationships do not significantly differ in marital satisfaction and trust but significantly differ in intimacy. Furthermore, distance does not significantly affect marital satisfaction and trust but there is a moderately negative correlation between distance and intimacy.