Mutual Understanding in Marriage as Predicted by Perspective-Taking and Interactional Warmth

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of perspective-taking and interactional warmth in mutual understanding among married individuals. A correlational descriptive design was employed with a sample of 350 married participants residing in Armenia, selected based on the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. Standardized instruments were used to measure mutual understanding, perspective-taking, and interactional warmth. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression analysis. Assumptions for normality, linearity, multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity were tested and met. The results showed that both perspective-taking (r = .61, p < .01) and interactional warmth (r = .66, p < .01) had significant positive correlations with mutual understanding. Linear regression analysis indicated that the model was statistically significant (F(2, 347) = 85.61, p < .001), with both perspective-taking (β = .36, p < .001) and interactional warmth (β = .42, p < .001) significantly predicting mutual understanding. The model explained 52% of the variance in the dependent variable (R² = .52). The findings underscore the importance of both cognitive empathy and emotional expressiveness in fostering mutual understanding within marital relationships. Perspective-taking and interactional warmth function as complementary interpersonal capacities that contribute significantly to marital cohesion. These results suggest the need for marital education and counseling programs to incorporate strategies aimed at enhancing both empathetic thinking and emotional responsiveness as key relational skills.