Financial Stress and Psychological Distress: The Mediating Role of Marital Conflict
Keywords:
financial stress, psychological distress, marital conflictAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of marital conflict in the relationship between financial stress and psychological distress among adults in Greece. A descriptive correlational design was employed involving 395 adult participants selected based on the Krejcie and Morgan sample size table. Participants completed validated instruments measuring financial stress (InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale), marital conflict (Marital Conflict Scale by Braiker & Kelley), and psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K10). Pearson correlation analysis was performed using SPSS-27 to examine the bivariate relationships among variables. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS-21 was conducted to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit indices were reported to assess the adequacy of the structural model. Pearson correlation results indicated significant positive relationships between financial stress and marital conflict (r = .52, p < .001), financial stress and psychological distress (r = .58, p < .001), and marital conflict and psychological distress (r = .60, p < .001). SEM analysis revealed a good model fit (χ² = 112.45, df = 84, χ²/df = 1.34, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.036). Financial stress significantly predicted marital conflict (β = .52, p < .001) and psychological distress (β = .38, p < .001). Marital conflict significantly predicted psychological distress (β = .60, p < .001). Marital conflict partially mediated the relationship between financial stress and psychological distress, with a significant indirect effect (β = .29, p < .001), and a total effect of β = .67 (p < .001). The findings underscore the critical role of marital conflict as a pathway through which financial stress contributes to psychological distress. Interventions that address both financial strain and relational conflict may enhance psychological resilience in individuals facing economic hardship.
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