The Contribution of the Compassionate Communication and the Problem Solving to Marital Compatibility Among the newly married couples in Palestine- A Proposed counseling program

Abstract

This study identified the Contribution of Compassionate Communication and Problem-Solving in Marital adjustment among newly married couples in Jerusalem and Bethlehem Districts, and proposed a counseling program. The researcher used the descriptive correlational predictive approach, using three scales: the Salazar Compassionate Communication Scale (2013), the Heppner & Peterson Problem-Solving Scale (1982), and a marital compatibility scale (developed by the researcher). Additionally, a proposed guidance program for newly married was designed. The scales were applied to a purposive convenience sample of 375 newly married couples from both Districts. Results indicated that the level of compassionate communication was high, with a mean score of 4.02. The "Compassionate Care" domain was the highest and ranked first, while the "Compassionate Mission" domain received a moderate score and ranked last. Moreover, the problem-solving level was moderate, with a mean score of 3.51. The "Problem Identification" domain was the highest and rated high, whereas the "Evaluation" domain ranked last with a moderate score. The overall marital compatibility level was high, with a mean score of 4.08. The findings also indicated a statistically significant effect of compassionate communication and problem solving on marital compatibility, accounting together for 32.8% of the variance in marital compatibility levels. The results showed no statistically significant differences in compassionate communication and its domains among newly married in Palestine based on the study variables. However, there were statistically significant differences in the problem-solving measure and its domains (problem identification, alternative generation, decision-making), favoring male newlyweds. No significant differences were found in problem solving and its domains based on age, place of residence, or educational level. Regarding marital compatibility, no significant differences were found based on gender or educational level. Significant differences were observed based on age and place of residence, favoring the age group of 19–24 years and city residents, respectively. The differences related to age favored the 19–24 age group, and those related to place of residence favored urban residents. Based on the quantitative results, the study proposed a guidance program grounded in realistic counseling to improve compassionate communication and problem-solving skills among newly married couples. It is recommended that relevant marriage counseling institutions implement this program targeting the specified demographic.