Marriage expectation and related factors among newlywed couples in pre-marriage counseling center in Tabriz

Background. One of the important determinants of a successful marriage is the realistic expectation about marriage. This study aimed to assess the expectations of newly married couples about marriage referred to the pre-marital counseling center, and also the factors affecting their marriage expectations.

Methods. In this cross-sectional study, to examine the level of marital expectation of newlywed couples referring to the premarital counseling center in Tabriz from August 2018 to April 2019, 284 samples were chosen. The self-administered Marriage Expectation Scale was used to collect data.

Results. In a sample of 284, the mean age was 26±5 years. Approximately 52% of couples had an academic education. The mean marriage expectation score was 158.13±19.74. According to the results of logistic regression, the odds of idealistic marriage expectation among couples with an academic degree was 2.94 times higher compared to those with an under diploma degree (P= 0.003). In addition, the odds of idealistic marriage expectation among employees and self-employed couples was 3.14 and 3.16 times higher compared to the unemployed ones or housewives, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion. The majority of couples had idealistic expectations about marriage and also couples with academic education, self-employed and employees had more idealistic marriage expectations.