Mediating Role of Perceived Stress in the Relationship between Distress Tolerance and Marital Quality among Married Couples

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Abstract

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This study aimed to examine the relationship between distress tolerance, perceived stress and marital quality, and predictive role of distress tolerance and perceived stress for marital quality among married couples. This study also investigated perceived stress as mediator in the association between distress tolerance and marital quality. A cross-sectional research design was used and married individuals were recruited using purposive sampling strategy. Findings revealed that distress tolerance and perceived stress have a negative relationship with marital quality. Moreover, distress tolerance and perceived stress emerged as negative predictor of marital quality among married couples. The mediating role of perceived stress was found to be significant in the association of distress tolerance with marital quality, highlighting distress tolerance as vulnerability factor resulting in increased stress, negatively influencing marital quality and increasing marital conflicts. Marital interventions and marital therapy should focus on developing distress tolerance skills among married couples and devise stress management programs tailored for married individuals.

Keywords:

Distress Tolerance, Marital Quality, Married Couples, Perceived Stress

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Butt, T. A., & Ahsan, S. (2026). Mediating Role of Perceived Stress in the Relationship between Distress Tolerance and Marital Quality among Married Couples. Bulletin of Multidisciplinary Studies, 3(1). Retrieved from https://journals.irapa.org/index.php/BMS/article/view/1241

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