Relationship between dimensions of perceived social support and desire for marriage among academic students

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived social support dimensions and desire for marriage among students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all male and female students of Allameh Tabataba’i University in the academic year 2015 - 16. The sample studied consisted of 200 students (100 males and 100 females). The research instrument was the “multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), 1988" and “questionnaire to evaluate interest in marriage”. Data analysis was performed by the independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression. Results: The results showed that the variable “significant others” could explain the feedback towards marriage, the attitude to the consequences of marriage, and the total score of desire for marriage. Also, the total score of perceived social support could explain the readinessanddesire for marriage. The results of the regression coefficientshowedthat the total score of perceived social support could predict barriers to marriage. Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the role of perceived social support and its dimensions in predicting students’ desire for marriage. These findings can be used in public health interventions related to marriage and the family.