Marriage Attitudes among Unmarried Young Adults: The Influence of Self-Perception and Societal Pressure
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/v-v.276Keywords:
Marriage Attitudes, Self-Perception, Societal Pressure, Unmarried IndividualsAbstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between societal pressure, self-perception, and attitudes toward marriage among unmarried young adults. It also examined gender differences in attitudes toward marriage and the significance of self-perception and perceived societal pressure in predicting attitudes toward marriage. The study hypothesized that, first, self-perception would be significantly associated with attitudes toward marriage; second, perceived societal pressure would be significantly associated with attitudes toward marriage; third, self-perception would be significantly associated with perceived societal pressure; and fourth, male and female unmarried young adults would differ significantly in self-perception, perceived societal pressure, and attitudes toward marriage. A quantitative correlational research design was used. The sample comprised 226 unmarried young adults (93 males and 133 females), aged 20–35 years, from Karachi, Pakistan. Purposive sampling was used to collect the data. Participants completed a demographic form and three standardized instruments: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS), and Marital Attitude Scale (MAS). Data were collected through online and face-to-face surveys after informed consent. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between self-perception and attitudes toward marriage, while no significant correlation was found between perceived societal pressure and attitudes toward marriage. A very small positive correlation was observed between self-perception and perceived societal pressure. Independent-samples t-tests showed no significant gender differences in self-perception, perceived societal pressure, or attitudes toward marriage. The findings indicate that internal psychological factors have a greater influence than external social factors on marriage attitudes among unmarried young adults.
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