The Mediating Role of Dyadic Coping in the Relationship between Perceived Partner Responsiveness and Marital Satisfaction: A Structural Equation Modeling Study
Keywords:
Perceived Partner Responsiveness, Dyadic Coping, Marital Satisfaction, Structural Equation ModelingAbstract
The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of dyadic coping in the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and marital satisfaction among married adults in Canada using structural equation modeling. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 642 married adults residing in various provinces of Canada. Participants were recruited through community organizations, counseling centers, and online platforms using voluntary participation procedures. Data were collected using the Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale (PPRS), the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed using SPSS 29 and AMOS 29. The measurement model was evaluated through multiple goodness-of-fit indices, and mediation effects were tested using bootstrap procedures with 5,000 resamples and bias-corrected confidence intervals. The results demonstrated significant positive associations among all study variables. Perceived partner responsiveness was positively associated with dyadic coping (β = 0.72, p < .001) and marital satisfaction (β = 0.27, p < .001). Dyadic coping was also positively associated with marital satisfaction (β = 0.58, p < .001). The structural model demonstrated excellent fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.13, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, IFI = .96, GFI = .92, RMSEA = .042, SRMR = .046). Bootstrap analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of perceived partner responsiveness on marital satisfaction through dyadic coping (β = 0.42, p < .001), confirming partial mediation. The final model explained 52% of the variance in dyadic coping and 68% of the variance in marital satisfaction, indicating substantial explanatory power. The findings indicate that perceived partner responsiveness contributes significantly to marital satisfaction both directly and indirectly through dyadic coping. Couples who perceive greater understanding, validation, and emotional support from their partners are more likely to engage in adaptive collaborative coping processes, which in turn enhance marital satisfaction. These results support contemporary relational theories emphasizing the importance of interpersonal responsiveness and dyadic adaptation in marital functioning and suggest that interventions targeting responsive communication and dyadic coping skills may promote healthier and more satisfying marital relationships.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marie-Eve Caplette ; Shuhui Pan (Author)
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