THE READINESS OF A YOUNG COUPLE TO ADOPT A CONSTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR DURING CONFLICT AS A FACTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MARITAL SATISFACTION

The aim: To study the readiness of young couples to adopt a constructive behavior during conflict as a factor of mental health and marital satisfaction. Materials and methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional plan. The sample comprised 216 young families (n = 432 persons), and mixed methods design was used. The respondents were asked to evaluate the level of marital satisfaction, family value coherence, and anxiety to make a self-assessment of the level of conflict in their own family. Results: The participants showed a fairly high degree of marital dissatisfaction, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The members of young dysfunctional families resorted to destructive behavior during conflicts, indicating the deteriorating mental health in these families. The stability of relationship between spouses is founded in their willingness to adopt a constructive behavior during conflict. Conclusions: The study helps understand the importance of the ability to adopt a constructive behavior during conflict in the context of family mental health and marital satisfaction. The findings of this study can serve as the basis for framing counseling programs for young families.