Maitsaa Rifdah Taufiiqoh, Diah Krisnatuti, Istiqlaliyah Muflikhati

Subjective Well-being in Long-Distance Marriage: The Role of Family Functioning, Financial Decision-Making, and Loneliness

Introduction

Subjective well-being in long-distance marriage: the role of family functioning, financial decision-making, and loneliness. Explore subjective well-being in long-distance marriages. This study examines how family functioning, financial decisions, and loneliness impact spouses, revealing gender-specific effects.

Abstract

Long-distance marriage refers to a condition in which spouses live apart, potentially affecting their subjective well-being. This study aims to analyze the influence of family functioning, financial decision-making, and loneliness on subjective well-being in families experiencing long-distance marriage. A mixed-method approach was employed with 50 male and 55 female respondents. The findings indicate that family functioning scores were higher among female respondents compared to males, while no significant differences were found in other variables. The results of the SEM analysis show that family functioning on women had a significant positive effect, while loneliness on men had a significant negative effect on subjective well-being. Financial decision-making showed no significant impact. Families are encouraged to maintain shared spiritual routines and emotional connection, and engage in affective communication and social interaction to alleviate loneliness. Future research is expected to incorporate children‘s perspectives to better understand family functioning in long-distance marriage families.

Review

This study offers a timely and relevant exploration into the often-overlooked area of subjective well-being within long-distance marriages, a condition increasingly prevalent in modern society. The research clearly articulates its aim to investigate the complex interplay of family functioning, financial decision-making, and loneliness as determinants of well-being for spouses living apart. The chosen mixed-method approach, while only quantitatively detailed in the abstract, suggests a robust attempt to capture the nuances of this marital dynamic. The findings, particularly the gender-specific differences in family functioning and the impact of loneliness, present valuable insights that contribute significantly to our understanding of the unique challenges faced by these families. Methodologically, the study employed a sample of 105 respondents, an appropriate size for initial exploration, though detailed justification for its adequacy for SEM analysis, especially when disaggregated by gender, would strengthen its impact. The use of SEM is commendable for its ability to model complex relationships. The most compelling findings are the distinct gendered effects: the significant positive influence of family functioning on women's well-being and the substantial negative impact of loneliness on men's well-being. This differential impact highlights the importance of tailored interventions. Conversely, the finding that financial decision-making had no significant impact on subjective well-being is intriguing and warrants further discussion, as one might intuitively expect it to be a more prominent stressor in long-distance relationships. The practical implications derived from the study's results are highly pertinent, emphasizing the need for families to actively maintain spiritual routines, foster emotional connection, and engage in affective communication and social interaction to mitigate loneliness. These recommendations offer concrete strategies for enhancing well-being in long-distance marriages. The suggestion for future research to incorporate children's perspectives is particularly insightful, as children's experiences undoubtedly play a crucial role in overall family functioning and well-being. Overall, this research makes a valuable contribution to the literature on marital satisfaction and well-being in unique family structures, providing a foundation for both practical support and further academic inquiry.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.