Marital Adjustment, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Working and Non-Working Women

Abstract

Marital adjustment and psychological well-being are critical aspects of married women’s lives and may vary according to employment status and educational level. The present study aimed to compare marital adjustment, stress, anxiety, and depression among working and non-working married women. Using a comparative cross-sectional design, data were collected from a sample of 100 married women (50 working and 50 non-working) recruited through non-probability sampling from urban and rural settings. Standardized instruments, including the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-21) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), were administered. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 through descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation techniques. Findings revealed no significant difference in marital adjustment between working and non-working women, indicating that employment status alone did not determine marital distress. However, non-working women reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly at extremely severe levels, compared to working women. Educational level emerged as an important factor, with bachelor’s degree holders showing the highest levels of psychological distress, whereas women with master’s degrees demonstrated comparatively better emotional stability. Overall, the results suggest that while marital adjustment may be influenced by multiple contextual factors beyond employment, psychological distress is more pronounced among non-working women and those with moderate educational attainment. The study underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions, counseling services, and social support programs, particularly for non-working and less-educated married women, to enhance psychological well-being and marital harmony.