Life Satisfaction, Depression and Marital Satisfaction Among Housewives in Malaysia

This study aimed to investigate life satisfaction, depression, and marital satisfaction among housewives in Malaysia. A total of 398 housewives, aged 20 to 60 years old was drawn based on convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Emirates Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMSS) were employed. The data were analysed using a statistical software, SPSS version 20.0. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between depression and life satisfaction (r = -.591, n = 398, p = .000); marital satisfaction and life satisfaction (r = .668, n = 398, p =.000); and marital satisfaction and depression (r = -.637, n = 398, p = .000). Moreover, the analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in life satisfaction among housewives based on their socio-economic status (F(2,395) = [14.9], p = 0.000). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in life satisfaction among housewives based on their education level (F(4,393) = [1.741], p = 0.140). However, a significant difference in life satisfaction among housewives based on their involvement in social activities [t (231) = 3.67, p < 0.01] was found. Several implications and recommendations for future studies are also discussed. This study implicates the status of wellbeing among housewives who need to be continually become the focus of the relevant
ministries and agencies. Empowerment program for intervention should become the highlights to enhance their psychological, emotional and overall wellbeing so that they are able to effectively and satisfactorily contribute to their family, and community.