Linking Financial Distress to Marital Quality: The Intermediary Roles of Demand/Withdraw and Spousal Gratitude Expressions

Many couples struggle with unintentional negative communication patterns which may lead to lower marital satisfaction. This study investigated communication patterns such as demand (criticizing/nagging) withdrawal (avoid confrontation/become defensive) and spousal expressions of gratitude as variables in association with financial well-being and marital quality. The findings suggest that spousal gratitude is associated with higher marital satisfaction while demand/withdraw communication patterns are associated with lower marital satisfaction.