Background: Marital satisfaction can be significantly affected by psychological distress experienced by married couples. Coping mechanisms and strategies play a pivotal role in mitigating the negative impact of such distress on the overall well-being of the marital relationship. Aim: This study aims to identify and analyze the coping mechanisms and strategies employed by married couples to counteract the adverse effects of psychological distress on their marital satisfaction. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilized for this research. Quantitative data were collected through standardized surveys measuring psychological distress and marital satisfaction levels. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of married couples. Data analysis involved both statistical techniques and thematic analysis to uncover patterns and associations between coping mechanisms, psychological distress, and marital satisfaction. Results: The quantitative analysis revealed a correlation between higher levels of psychological distress and lower marital satisfaction. The qualitative analysis uncovered a range of coping mechanisms and strategies adopted by couples, including active communication, emotional support, problem-solving, seeking professional help, and engaging in shared leisure activities. Couples demonstrated a preference for a combination of individual and joint coping strategies. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the significance of coping mechanisms in buffering the negative impact of psychological distress on marital satisfaction. The findings underscore the importance of fostering open communication and shared coping strategies within marital relationships to enhance overall well-being. These insights can guide therapeutic interventions and relationship education programs aimed at strengthening couples' abilities to navigate psychological distress effectively.

Marital satisfaction, psychological distress, coping mechanisms, strategies, communication, emotional support, problem-solving, mixed-methods.