Psychosocial development in South Korean couples and its effects on marital relationships

Abstract

This study explored psychosocial development in South Korean couples and its impact on their marital satisfaction and marital crisis. A sample of 100 cohabiting married Korean couples (n = 200) and 100 premarital couples (n = 200) participated in this study. Findings showed that partners in same-couple relationships were more likely to reach the same stages of psychosocial development. Married couples displayed different levels of marital satisfaction and marital crisis depending on which stage of psychosocial development they found themselves in. The results of this study also revealed that partners who successfully resolved psychosocial developmental tasks and conflicts had higher marital satisfaction and lower marital crisis. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.