Dyadic coping, domestic abuse and relationship quality among Malaysian couples during the covid-19 movement control order (MCO)

The Movement Control Order (MCO) or lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused concern and imposed challenges especially cohabiting couples. Couple has to deal with the impact of the pandemic and cope with the challenges together thus impact their relationship. The study aimed to determine the relationship between dyadic coping strategies, domestic violence and relationship quality among couples in Malaysia. A web based cross-sectional study was conducted among 554 (men=244; women=310) cohabiting (married, engaged and committed relationship) during the first MCO in Malaysia. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, dyadic coping strategies, domestic violence, and perceived relationship quality used during the first lockdown period were collected via Google Forms. Finding showed that men reported higher stress communication than men, meanwhile women reported higher delegated dyadic coping compared to men. A small number of participants reported domestic psychological, physical and sexual abuse. Multiple regression analysis indicated that both dyadic significantly predicted relationship quality among couples. The present study increases the knowledge on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on couples’ relationship specifically the relationship of dyadic coping strategies, domestic violence towards relationship quality during a global pandemic