A Quantitative Study Investigating the Correlation between Relationship Satisfaction and Causal Attributions in Adult Couples: A South African Study

Abstract

There is a lack of research that has been done on the correlation between causal attributions and relationship satisfaction within a South African context. A quantitative study was done to investigate the correlation between causal attributions and relationship satisfaction in adult relationships within Kwa-Zulu Natal. Data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires. Results obtained from the multiple choice questions were efficient to analyse by using the Pearson’s R correlation coefficient. Results indicated that a correlation does exist between causal attributions and relationship satisfaction. An overall high score on locus of causality was obtained, indicating that the fundamental attribution error was prominent in this study. Stability obtained the lowest scores, indicating that most of the respondents were optimistic about the future of their relationships. Men obtained higher scores than the women, and therefore had a higher degree of negative attributions towards their partners.