Influence of Cultural Communication Style on Marital Satisfaction among Muslim Couples on Malaysia’s East Coast

Abstract

The Malaysian Family Declaration (LPPKN, 2019) emphasises family well-being based on justice, honesty, and love to strengthen family bonds. However, rising divorce rates among Muslim couples in Southeast Asia, particularly on Malaysia’s East Coast, highlight the critical role of effective communication in marital stability. Recent data from the Majlis Keselamatan Negara (2023) indicates a nearly 20% increase in divorce cases among Muslim couples in Terengganu from 2022 to 2023, with communication issues identified as a major contributing factor. This study explores how cultural communication styles influence marital satisfaction among Muslim couples in Terengganu, focusing on the cultural factors that shape these dynamics in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. A quantitative survey of 191 married school teachers in Terengganu was conducted using purposive sampling and tools such as the Communication Questionnaire and Emirati Marital Satisfaction Scale to assess communication patterns and marital satisfaction. Statistical analysis revealed that communication style accounts for 55.4% of marital satisfaction. The findings emphasise open communication and conflict avoidance in promoting marital harmony, reflecting broader Southeast Asian cultural trends. These insights contribute to the development of culturally tailored family modules that enhance empathy, communication, and marital satisfaction, serving as models for intercultural communication in diverse societies.