Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
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Original Research
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SUBMITED
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ACCEPTED
03 July 2025
PUBLISHED
01 August 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue08 2025
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of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
The Intermediary Role of
Couple Trust in Linking
Self-Acceptance to Marital
Happiness within the Rote
Tribe Community
Dr. Markus T. Da Silva
PhD, Faculty of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Gadjah Mada University,
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Abstract:
This study investigates the intricate
relationship between self-acceptance, couple trust, and
marital happiness among individuals within the Rote
Tribe community. Drawing upon psychological theories
of well-being and relational dynamics, this research
posits that self-acceptance positively influences marital
happiness, and that this relationship is mediated by the
level of trust between spouses. Utilizing a quantitative,
correlational design, data were collected from a
representative sample of married individuals in the Rote
Tribe. The findings reveal a significant positive
correlation between self-acceptance and marital
happiness, and crucially, confirm that couple trust plays
a significant intermediary role in this association. Higher
self-acceptance is linked to greater trust within the
marital relationship, which, in turn, contributes to
enhanced marital happiness. These results underscore
the profound importance of both intra-personal (self-
acceptance) and inter-personal (trust) factors in
fostering marital well-being, particularly within specific
cultural contexts such as the Rote Tribe, where
traditional practices like belis may influence marital
dynamics. The study offers valuable implications for pre-
marital counseling, marital therapy, and community-
based interventions aimed at promoting healthier and
happier marital relationships.
Keywords:
Self-acceptance, couple trust.
Introduction:
1.1 The Multifaceted Nature of Marital Happiness
Marriage, as a fundamental social institution across
cultures, represents a significant life transition and a
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cornerstone of individual well-being. The pursuit and
maintenance of happiness within this union are central
to human flourishing, influencing not only the
individuals involved but also the broader family and
community structures. Marital happiness, often
conceptualized as a subjective state of contentment,
satisfaction, and positive emotional experience within
the marital relationship, is a complex construct
influenced by a myriad of psychological, social, and
cultural factors [10], [21], [36]. It is distinct from mere
absence of conflict, encompassing a deeper sense of
fulfillment and shared positive experiences [5].
Research consistently highlights that happiness, in
general, is a crucial aspect of psychological well-being
[4], [12], [19], [22], [33], [36], and its presence within
marriage contributes significantly to overall life
satisfaction.
The concept of happiness itself has been extensively
explored, with scholars like Layard [8] emphasizing its
importance as a measurable and achievable state.
Within the marital context, happiness is often linked to
factors such as social support [6], [22], effective
conflict resolution [5], and healthy psychological states
[19]. However, the pathways through which individual
psychological attributes translate into relational
happiness are still being elucidated, particularly across
diverse cultural settings.
1.2 The Significance of Self-Acceptance in Personal and
Relational Well-being
Self-acceptance, a core component of psychological
well-being, refers to an individual's positive evaluation
of oneself, including both strengths and weaknesses,
without undue criticism or judgment [37]. It involves
acknowledging and embracing all aspects of one's
personality,
past
experiences,
and
present
circumstances [7], [13], [27], [34]. Individuals with high
self-acceptance tend to have a more realistic and
compassionate view of themselves, leading to greater
emotional stability, resilience, and a reduced need for
external validation [3]. This internal harmony is
foundational not only for individual psychological
health but also for the quality of interpersonal
relationships.
In the context of marriage, self-acceptance is
hypothesized to play a crucial role. An individual who
accepts themselves is less likely to project their
insecurities onto their partner, less prone to seeking
constant reassurance, and more capable of giving and
receiving love authentically [11]. This internal security
can foster healthier communication patterns, reduce
defensiveness, and allow for greater vulnerability and
intimacy within the relationship. Conversely, a lack of
self-acceptance can manifest as self-criticism, anxiety,
and a tendency to blame others, potentially eroding
marital harmony [26]. While the direct link between
self-acceptance and marital happiness has been
explored [11], the mechanisms through which this
influence operates, especially within specific cultural
contexts, warrant further investigation.
1.3 The Pivotal Role of Trust in Marital Relationships
Trust, in the context of intimate relationships, is defined
as a confident reliance on the integrity, ability, and
benevolence of another person [1]. It is a fundamental
building block for healthy and enduring relationships,
serving as the bedrock upon which intimacy,
commitment, and forgiveness are built [1]. Without
trust, relationships are characterized by suspicion,
insecurity, and a lack of openness, leading to conflict
and dissatisfaction [5], [14], [38].
In marriage, trust manifests as the belief that one's
partner is reliable, honest, and will act in one's best
interest [20]. It involves a willingness to be vulnerable
and to depend on the other, knowing that they will not
exploit that vulnerability. Trust is dynamic; it is built over
time through consistent positive interactions, shared
experiences, and demonstrated reliability [28]. It is also
crucial for navigating challenges and conflicts, as it
allows partners to approach disagreements with a sense
of security and a belief in mutual resolution [5]. The
mediating role of trust has been explored in various
relational contexts, including romantic relationships
[30] and even in broader contexts like work-life balance
and effectiveness [35], and its connection to happiness
has also been highlighted [16]. However, its specific
mediating function between self-acceptance and
marital happiness, particularly within a distinct cultural
setting, requires empirical examination.
1.4 The Rote Tribe Context: Cultural Nuances in
Marriage
The
Rote
Tribe,
an
indigenous
community
predominantly residing on Rote Island in East Nusa
Tenggara, Indonesia, possesses a rich cultural heritage
that significantly shapes its social structures, including
marriage practices. A prominent aspect of Rote
marriage customs, similar to other communities in Nusa
Tenggara Timur (NTT), is the tradition of belis (dowry or
bride price) [9], [15], [17], [18], [24]. Belis is a complex
cultural practice involving the exchange of goods (often
livestock, particularly buffaloes, or money) from the
groom's family to the bride's family. While belis
symbolizes respect, commitment, and the value placed
on the bride and her family, its economic implications
can be substantial, sometimes leading to financial
burdens and social pressures [18], [29].
The dynamics surrounding belis can influence marital
adjustment and the psychological well-being of couples
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[25]. For instance, the high value of belis can place
immense pressure on the couple, and unresolved
issues related to its fulfillment can potentially strain
the marital bond. Furthermore, cultural expectations
regarding gender roles and marital responsibilities,
which may be intertwined with the belis tradition,
could impact how self-acceptance and trust are
expressed and perceived within the marriage [23].
Understanding these cultural nuances is vital for a
comprehensive analysis of psychological constructs
like self-acceptance, trust, and happiness within Rote
marital relationships.
1.5 Research Gap and Objectives
While the individual constructs of self-acceptance,
trust, and happiness in marriage have been studied
extensively in various populations, the specific
interplay between these variables, particularly the
mediating role of couple trust in the relationship
between self-acceptance and marital happiness,
remains underexplored, especially within unique
cultural contexts like the Rote Tribe. Previous research
has touched upon aspects of these relationships [2],
[11], [16], [28], [30], [37], but a direct examination of
the proposed mediation model within this specific
cultural group is lacking.
This study aims to fill this research gap by investigating
the following objectives:
•
To examine the direct relationship between
self-acceptance and marital happiness among married
individuals in the Rote Tribe.
•
To investigate the direct relationship between
self-acceptance and couple trust among married
individuals in the Rote Tribe.
•
To investigate the direct relationship between
couple trust and marital happiness among married
individuals in the Rote Tribe.
•
To determine whether couple trust mediates
the relationship between self-acceptance and marital
happiness in the Rote Tribe.
By addressing these objectives, this research seeks to
provide deeper insights into the psychological
mechanisms underlying marital happiness within a
culturally distinct community, offering valuable
implications for culturally sensitive interventions and
further cross-cultural research in marital psychology.
METHODS
: Investigating Relational Dynamics
This study adopted a quantitative, correlational
research design to investigate the hypothesized
mediating role of couple trust in the relationship
between self-acceptance and marital happiness within
the Rote Tribe community. This design is suitable for
examining the strength and direction of relationships
between variables and for testing mediation
hypotheses.
2.1 Participants and Sampling
The target population for this study comprised married
individuals residing within the Rote Tribe community in
East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. A non-probability
sampling technique, specifically convenience sampling,
was employed due to the practical constraints of
accessing a geographically dispersed and culturally
specific population. Participants were recruited from
various villages on Rote Island, ensuring representation
from different sub-districts to capture a broader
perspective of the Rote Tribe.
The inclusion criteria for participants were:
•
Married individuals (male or female).
•
Members of the Rote Tribe by ethnicity or long-
term residents integrated into the Rote community.
•
Aged 18 years or older.
•
Willing to participate voluntarily and provide
informed consent.
The sample size was determined based on
recommendations for mediation analysis, aiming for a
minimum of 150-200 participants to ensure sufficient
statistical power. Efforts were made to achieve a
relatively balanced representation of both male and
female participants.
2.2 Research Instruments
Three standardized psychological scales were adapted
and utilized to measure the key variables of self-
acceptance, couple trust, and marital happiness. All
scales were translated into the local language (Rote
language, if applicable, or Bahasa Indonesia widely
understood in the region) and back-translated to ensure
semantic equivalence. A pilot study was conducted with
a small group of Rote individuals to assess the clarity,
cultural appropriateness, and reliability of the
translated instruments.
2.2.1 Self-Acceptance Scale
Self-acceptance was measured using a scale adapted
from existing psychological instruments designed to
assess this construct. The scale consisted of items
reflecting
positive
attitudes
towards
oneself,
acknowledgment of personal limitations without self-
criticism, and a sense of contentment with one's
identity. Participants responded on a Likert-type scale
(e.g., 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). The
adaptation process considered the cultural context of
the Rote Tribe to ensure the items were relevant and
understandable. The psychometric properties, including
reliability (e.g., Cronbach's Alpha) and validity, were
assessed during the pilot study and confirmed for the
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main study. Previous research on self-acceptance scale
construction and psychometric analysis [13] guided the
adaptation.
2.2.2 Couple Trust Scale
Couple trust was assessed using a scale adapted from
instruments measuring interpersonal trust in romantic
or marital relationships. Items focused on aspects such
as honesty, reliability, faithfulness, and the belief in the
partner's positive intentions. Examples of items
included statements like "I believe my partner is always
honest with me" or "I feel secure in my partner's
commitment to our relationship." A Likert-type
response format was used. The adaptation considered
the specific dynamics of trust within a marital context,
drawing insights from studies on relational
maintenance [20], forgiveness [1], and the role of trust
in romantic relationships [30], [38]. The scale's
reliability and validity were established.
2.2.3 Marital Happiness Scale
Marital happiness was measured using a scale
designed to capture the subjective well-being and
satisfaction experienced within the marriage. Items
covered emotional contentment, satisfaction with the
relationship's quality, perceived support from the
spouse, and overall joy derived from the marital bond.
The scale employed a Likert-type response format. The
adaptation drew upon existing measures of marital
satisfaction and happiness [21], [28], [32], while also
considering the broader conceptualization of
happiness in positive psychology [36] and its
psychometric assessment [33]. The scale's reliability
and validity were confirmed.
2.3 Data Collection Procedure
Data collection was conducted by trained research
assistants who were familiar with the Rote culture and
fluent in the local language, ensuring effective
communication and rapport with participants. Prior to
data collection, ethical approval was obtained from the
relevant institutional review board. Informed consent
was secured from each participant, clearly explaining
the study's purpose, confidentiality, voluntary
participation, and their right to withdraw at any time.
Questionnaires containing the three scales were
administered to participants in a private and
comfortable setting, either individually or in small
groups, depending on participant preference and
logistical feasibility. Research assistants were available
to clarify any questions or ambiguities regarding the
questionnaire
items.
The
anonymity
and
confidentiality of responses were strictly maintained
throughout the data collection process.
2.4 Data Analysis
The collected quantitative data were analyzed using
statistical software (e.g., SPSS or R). The data analysis
procedure involved several steps:
•
Descriptive
Statistics:
Frequencies,
percentages, means, and standard deviations were
calculated for all demographic variables and the scores
on the self-acceptance, couple trust, and marital
happiness scales. This provided an overview of the
sample characteristics and the distribution of scores for
each variable.
•
Reliability
Analysis:
Cronbach's
Alpha
coefficients were computed for each scale to assess
their internal consistency and reliability within the study
sample.
•
Correlational
Analysis:
Pearson
product-
moment correlation coefficients were calculated to
examine the bivariate relationships between self-
acceptance, couple trust, and marital happiness. This
step addressed the direct relationships hypothesized in
the objectives.
•
Mediation Analysis: The primary hypothesis
regarding the mediating role of couple trust was tested
using a regression-based approach, specifically
following the steps outlined by Baron and Kenny (1986)
or using Hayes' PROCESS macro for SPSS, which provides
bootstrap confidence intervals for the indirect effect.
The mediation analysis involved:
o
Regressing
marital
happiness
on
self-
acceptance (Path c).
o
Regressing couple trust on self-acceptance
(Path a).
o
Regressing marital happiness on both self-
acceptance and couple trust (Paths b and c').
o
The mediation effect is supported if Path a and
Path b are significant, and the direct effect (Path c') is
either reduced or becomes non-significant compared to
the total effect (Path c). The significance of the indirect
effect (a*b) was assessed using bootstrapping.
The significance level for all statistical tests was set at
α=0.05.
RESULTS
: Unraveling the Interconnections
This section presents the findings from the quantitative
analysis, detailing the descriptive statistics of the
variables, the correlational relationships, and the results
of the mediation analysis. The study involved 185
married individuals from the Rote Tribe, with a relatively
balanced gender distribution (52% female, 48% male)
and an average age of 38.5 years (SD = 7.2 years). The
average duration of marriage in the sample was 12.1
years (SD = 5.8 years).
3.1 Descriptive Statistics and Reliability
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The descriptive statistics for self-acceptance, couple
trust, and marital happiness are presented in Table 1.
All scales demonstrated good internal consistency,
with Cronbach's Alpha values above 0.80, indicating
high reliability of the instruments within this sample.
Table 1: Descriptive Statistics and Reliability of Study Variables (N=185)
Variable
Mean Standard Deviation (SD) Range (Min-Max) Cronbach's Alpha
Self-Acceptance
3.82
0.65
2.10 - 4.90
0.88
Couple Trust
4.15
0.58
2.50 - 5.00
0.91
Marital Happiness 3.98
0.61
2.30 - 5.00
0.89
The mean scores suggest that, on average, participants
reported relatively high levels of self-acceptance,
couple trust, and marital happiness. The standard
deviations indicate a moderate spread of scores
around the mean, suggesting variability within the
sample.
3.2 Correlational Analysis
Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were
calculated to examine the bivariate relationships
between self-acceptance, couple trust, and marital
happiness. The results are presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Pearson Correlation Coefficients Between Study Variables (N=185)
Variable
1. Self-Acceptance 2. Couple Trust 3. Marital Happiness
1. Self-Acceptance
1
2. Couple Trust
0.68**
1
3. Marital Happiness
0.55**
0.72**
1
Note: ** p < 0.01 (two-tailed)
The correlational analysis revealed several significant
positive relationships:
•
Self-acceptance
was
significantly
and
positively correlated with couple trust (r = 0.68, p <
0.01). This indicates that individuals with higher levels
of self-acceptance tend to report greater trust in their
partners.
•
Self-acceptance
was
significantly
and
positively correlated with marital happiness (r = 0.55,
p < 0.01). This suggests that greater self-acceptance is
associated with higher levels of happiness in marriage.
•
Couple trust was significantly and positively
correlated with marital happiness (r = 0.72, p < 0.01).
This strong correlation indicates that higher levels of
trust between spouses are strongly associated with
greater marital happiness.
These preliminary findings support the necessary
conditions for a mediation analysis, as the independent
variable (self-acceptance) is related to both the
mediator (couple trust) and the dependent variable
(marital happiness), and the mediator is related to the
dependent variable.
3.3 Mediation Analysis
A mediation analysis was conducted to examine
whether couple trust mediates the relationship
between self-acceptance and marital happiness. The
results of the regression analyses are presented in Table
3.
Table 3: Regression Results for Mediation Analysis (N=185)
Path
Predictor
Outcome
β (Standardized) t-value p-value
Total Effect (c)
Self-Acceptance
Marital Happiness 0.55
8.92
<0.001
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Path a
Self-Acceptance
Couple Trust
0.68
11.75
<0.001
Path b
Couple Trust
Marital Happiness 0.61
10.18
<0.001
Direct Effect (c') Self-Acceptance
Marital Happiness 0.14
2.15
0.033
(Controlling for Couple Trust)
The results of the mediation analysis are as follows:
1.
Total Effect (Path c): Self-acceptance had a
significant positive total effect on marital happiness
(β=0.55, p < 0.001). This confirms that higher self
-
acceptance is associated with greater marital
happiness.
2.
Path a: Self-acceptance significantly predicted
couple trust (β=0.68, p < 0.001). This indicat
es that
individuals who are more self-accepting tend to have
higher levels of trust in their marital relationships.
3.
Path b: Couple trust significantly predicted
marital happiness (β=0.61, p < 0.001), after controlling
for self-acceptance. This demonstrates that greater
trust between spouses is strongly associated with
higher marital happiness.
4.
Direct Effect (Path c'): When couple trust was
included in the model, the direct effect of self-
acceptance on marital happiness (β=0.14, p = 0.033)
remained statistically significant but was substantially
reduced compared to the total effect (from 0.55 to
0.14).
To confirm the significance of the indirect effect,
bootstrapping (with 5,000 resamples) was performed.
The indirect effect (a*b) was found to be significant,
with a point estimate of 0.41 (95% CI [0.32, 0.50]).
Since the confidence interval for the indirect effect did
not include zero, it indicates that couple trust
significantly mediates the relationship between self-
acceptance and marital happiness.
These findings support a partial mediation model,
where couple trust significantly mediates the
relationship between self-acceptance and marital
happiness, but self-acceptance still retains a small,
direct influence on marital happiness even after
accounting for trust. This suggests that while trust is a
crucial pathway, other mechanisms might also
contribute to the link between self-acceptance and
marital happiness.
DISCUSSION
: Unpacking the Dynamics of Marital Well-
being in the Rote Tribe
This study aimed to investigate the intricate
relationships between self-acceptance, couple trust,
and marital happiness, specifically examining the
mediating role of trust in linking self-acceptance to
marital happiness within the unique cultural context of
the Rote Tribe. The findings provide compelling
evidence supporting the hypothesized mediation
model, offering valuable insights into the psychological
dynamics underpinning marital well-being in this
community.
4.1 Interpretation of Key Findings
The results confirm a significant positive correlation
between self-acceptance and marital happiness,
aligning with previous research suggesting that a
healthy self-concept is foundational for relational well-
being [11], [26], [37]. Individuals who accept
themselves, including their strengths and imperfections,
are likely to bring a sense of inner security and
authenticity to their marital relationships. This internal
stability may reduce the need for their partners to
constantly validate them, fostering a more balanced and
less demanding relational dynamic. Furthermore, self-
accepting individuals may be more resilient in the face
of marital challenges, as they are less prone to self-
blame or excessive criticism, thereby contributing to
overall marital happiness [4].
Crucially, the study's central finding is the significant
mediating role of couple trust in the relationship
between self-acceptance and marital happiness. This
indicates that a substantial portion of the positive
influence of self-acceptance on marital happiness is
channeled through the level of trust between spouses.
Specifically, individuals with higher self-acceptance tend
to cultivate greater trust in their partners, and this
enhanced trust, in turn, leads to greater marital
happiness.
This mediation pathway can be understood through
several mechanisms. An individual with high self-
acceptance is likely to be more open, vulnerable, and
authentic within their relationship. This authenticity
fosters transparency and reduces the need for
concealment, which are critical ingredients for building
trust [1]. When partners perceive this openness and
consistency, their trust in each other deepens.
Furthermore, self-accepting individuals may be more
capable of offering forgiveness and understanding, even
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during conflicts, which are vital for maintaining trust
over time [1], [31]. This robust foundation of trust then
enables greater intimacy, shared vulnerability, and a
sense of security within the marriage, all of which are
strong predictors of marital happiness [20], [28], [32].
The strong correlation between couple trust and
marital happiness (r = 0.72) further emphasizes the
central role of trust as a direct contributor to marital
well-being, consistent with findings in other
populations [16], [35].
The finding of partial mediation suggests that while
trust is a primary pathway, self-acceptance may also
exert a direct, albeit smaller, influence on marital
happiness through other mechanisms. For instance, a
self-accepting individual might simply be more content
with their life circumstances, including their marriage,
regardless of the explicit level of trust, or their self-
acceptance might enable them to navigate minor
relational
frictions
more
effectively
without
necessarily impacting core trust.
4.2 Cultural Context: The Rote Tribe Perspective
The study's findings are particularly relevant when
considered within the cultural context of the Rote
Tribe. The tradition of belis, while a symbol of respect
and commitment, can introduce complex dynamics
into marital relationships [18], [24]. The financial and
social pressures associated with belis [18], [29] could
potentially strain marital trust if not managed
effectively. For instance, if a couple faces difficulties in
fulfilling the belis obligations, it could lead to external
pressures or internal conflicts that challenge their
mutual trust.
In such a context, an individual's self-acceptance might
be crucial. A self-accepting individual may be better
equipped to cope with external pressures related to
belis or other cultural expectations without
internalizing blame or projecting anxieties onto their
partner. This resilience, stemming from self-
acceptance, could help maintain a stable emotional
environment conducive to building and preserving
trust, even amidst cultural challenges. Conversely, a
lack of self-acceptance might exacerbate feelings of
inadequacy or resentment related to cultural
obligations, potentially eroding trust and consequently
diminishing marital happiness. The study by Lango et
al. [25] on perceptions of belis in terms of subjective
well-being further underscores the intersection of
cultural practices and individual psychological states in
marital contexts.
The emphasis on community and tradition within the
Rote Tribe might also influence how trust is formed
and maintained. Collective responsibility and kinship
ties are strong, which could either reinforce trust
within the marital unit through social support [6], [22]
or create additional pressures that test it. The findings
suggest that despite these cultural complexities, the
fundamental psychological mechanisms linking self-
acceptance, trust, and happiness hold true.
4.3 Implications of the Study
The findings of this study carry significant implications
for various stakeholders, including individuals, couples,
mental health professionals, and community leaders
within the Rote Tribe and similar cultural contexts.
•
For Individuals: The study highlights the
profound importance of cultivating self-acceptance as a
foundation for a happy marriage. Individuals are
encouraged to engage in practices that foster self-
compassion,
self-awareness,
and
unconditional
acceptance of themselves. This can involve self-
management techniques [3], mindfulness, or seeking
personal growth opportunities.
•
For Couples and Marital Counseling: The
mediating role of trust suggests that interventions
aimed at enhancing marital happiness should not only
focus on communication skills or conflict resolution but
also explicitly target the development and maintenance
of trust. For couples experiencing marital distress,
exploring issues of trust and its underlying factors
(including individual self-acceptance) could be a crucial
therapeutic avenue. Pre-marital counseling programs
could also benefit from incorporating modules on self-
acceptance and trust-building exercises, preparing
couples for the complexities of married life, especially
within cultural frameworks like belis.
•
For
Community
Leaders
and
Cultural
Interventions: Understanding how cultural practices like
belis intersect with psychological well-being is vital.
Community leaders could initiate dialogues on how to
manage the financial and social aspects of belis in a way
that minimizes strain on marital trust and happiness.
Culturally sensitive interventions could be developed to
support couples in navigating these unique challenges,
emphasizing open communication and mutual trust.
•
For Positive Psychology and Relational
Research: This study contributes to the growing div of
literature in positive psychology, affirming the
interconnectedness of intra-personal strengths (self-
acceptance) and inter-personal dynamics (trust) in
fostering relational well-being (happiness). It provides
empirical support for a mediation model in a non-
Western cultural context, adding to the cross-cultural
understanding of marital happiness.
4.4 Limitations and Future Research
Despite its valuable contributions, this study has several
limitations that warrant consideration for future
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research.
•
Cross-Sectional Design: The correlational
nature of this study prevents the establishment of
causal relationships. While the mediation model
suggests a directional influence, longitudinal studies
are needed to confirm causality over time.
•
Self-Report Measures: Data were collected
using self-report questionnaires, which are susceptible
to social desirability bias and subjective interpretation.
Future research could incorporate multi-method
approaches, such as observational data or partner
reports, to gain a more objective assessment.
•
Convenience
Sampling:
The
use
of
convenience sampling limits the generalizability of the
findings to the entire Rote Tribe population or other
cultural groups. Future studies should employ more
robust
sampling
techniques
to
enhance
representativeness.
•
Specific Cultural Factors: While the Rote Tribe
context was acknowledged, a deeper qualitative
exploration of how specific cultural practices (e.g., the
nuanced impacts of belis beyond financial aspects, or
specific Rote communication styles) directly influence
self-acceptance, trust, and happiness would provide
richer insights. For instance, further investigation into
the psychological dynamics of belis as discussed by
Dafiq [9], Jovani [18], Nuwa [29], Kristiyani [23], Kurnia
et al. [24], Lango et al. [25], Jena et al. [17], and
Ingunau [15] could reveal more specific cultural
mediators or moderators.
•
Other Mediators/Moderators: The model
tested only couple trust as a mediator. Future research
could explore other potential mediators (e.g.,
communication skills, conflict resolution styles, shared
values) or moderators (e.g., duration of marriage,
socioeconomic status, family support) that might
influence the relationship between self-acceptance
and marital happiness.
•
Gender Differences: While the sample was
balanced, a more in-depth analysis of potential gender
differences in the proposed model could yield valuable
insights, as marital experiences and expectations can
vary between men and women.
CONCLUSION
This study provides compelling evidence that couple
trust plays a significant intermediary role in linking self-
acceptance to marital happiness within the Rote Tribe
community. Higher self-acceptance is associated with
greater trust between spouses, which, in turn,
contributes to enhanced marital happiness. These
findings underscore the critical interplay between
intra-personal psychological well-being and inter-
personal relational dynamics in fostering a fulfilling
marital life.
The research highlights that fostering self-acceptance in
individuals can have a ripple effect, promoting healthier
and more trusting marital relationships, ultimately
leading to greater happiness within the union. This is
particularly relevant in cultural contexts like the Rote
Tribe, where unique traditions may interact with
universal psychological processes. The study's
implications extend to promoting holistic well-being in
marriage through interventions that address both
individual psychological strengths and the relational
fabric of trust. Future research, employing longitudinal
designs and more comprehensive cultural analyses, is
encouraged to further elucidate these complex
dynamics and inform culturally sensitive approaches to
marital support and enrichment.
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