The Role of Constructive Feedback on Marital Adjustment Mediated by Partner Validation

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of constructive feedback on marital adjustment, with the mediating role of partner validation among married individuals in Kenya. A descriptive correlational design was employed involving 385 married participants selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie (1970) sample size table. Participants completed validated Likert-scale instruments assessing constructive feedback, partner validation, and marital adjustment. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). SPSS version 27 was used for descriptive and inferential statistics, while AMOS version 21 was employed to test the structural relationships among variables and the model’s fit indices. Pearson correlation results showed significant positive relationships between constructive feedback and partner validation (r = .62, p < .001), constructive feedback and marital adjustment (r = .57, p < .001), and partner validation and marital adjustment (r = .69, p < .001). SEM analysis confirmed the model fit with acceptable indices (χ²/df = 1.95, GFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.047). Constructive feedback had significant direct effects on both partner validation (β = .62, p < .001) and marital adjustment (β = .24, p = .004). Partner validation had a strong direct effect on marital adjustment (β = .65, p < .001). The indirect effect of constructive feedback on marital adjustment through partner validation (β = .40, p < .001) was also significant, highlighting the mediating role of partner validation. The total effect of constructive feedback on marital adjustment was β = .64. The findings suggest that constructive feedback significantly enhances marital adjustment, both directly and indirectly, by fostering partner validation. Emotional validation acts as a key mechanism through which respectful communication strengthens relational outcomes. These results underscore the importance of integrating communication and validation training into marital support programs.