An Evaluation of Marital Relationship and Its Implications for Cross Cultural Counselling of Kadazandusun and Sino-Kadazan Couples in Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

This study examined the marital relationship of Kadazandusun couples and Sino-Kadazan couples in Sabah. The sample comprised 20 homogenous and 20 intermarriage couples. Each couple participated in the research by completing the Marital Evaluation Checklist, which comprised reasons for marrying, common marital problems and expectations for counselling. An analysis of variance procedure was performed to investigate the differences between the homogenous and intermarriage dyads. The intermarriage couples expressed greater problems in personal characteristics and marital relationship, and had greater expectations for counselling than their Kadazandusun counterparts. The implications of these findings for cross cultural counselling are discussed. Implications for future research are also examined.