The role of dyadic coping in married/cohabiting adults’ well-being and relationship quality during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Malaysia

Chua Bee Seok; Rosnah Ismail; Jasmine Adela Mutang; Hon Kai Yee; Ching Sin Siau; Mimi Fitriana; Low Wah Yun

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS7.13095

Authors

Chua Bee Seok
chuabs@ums.edu.my
Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
Rosnah Ismail University of Cyberjaya, Malaysia
Jasmine Adela Mutang Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
Hon Kai Yee Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
Ching Sin Siau Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Mimi Fitriana International University of Malaya-Wales Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Low Wah Yun Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Keywords:

well-being, relationship quality, dyadic coping, COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases are leading to increased anxiety, fear, stress and depression among Malaysians. The lockdown in the country due to the pandemic also forced the people to adapt to “new norms”. Coping strategies are important in alleviating stress due to the pandemic and promoting better well-being and relationship. The purpose of this study was to assess the well-being and relationship quality of Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to test the predictive role of dyadic coping on participants' well-being and relationship quality. Data were collected from September to December 2020. A total of 534 married/cohabiting adults residing in Malaysia completed the Perceived Relationship Quality Component Inventory, the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, and the Dyadic Coping Scale. The measures were distributed to the participants via an online survey (Google form) using the snowballing technique. The results indicated that the well-being status of the participants was at an average level. The participants reported having significantly better relationship quality during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic.

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