A diagnostic tool for family and marriage counseling with Muslim couples

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the development and psychometric properties of a questionnaire for Muslim couples and families based on how couples view and experience marital and family issues. A questionnaire was developed based on relevant literature and fine-tuned by a panel of experts. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 1212 heterosexual Muslim individuals of 389 married couples aged 22–55 years old (overall mean age = 38.15 years, SD = 9.47; husbands’ mean age = 38.25 years, SD = 9.23; wives’ mean age = 38.06, SD = 9.70). The participants were divided into two subsamples for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and to draw Pearson correlations with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) for validation procedures. The results indicate the strong statistical significance of a 22-item five-factor structure: structural attribute satisfaction, marital harmony, emotional and sexual harmony, spouse’s family communication, and religious matters. The factors were interpreted theoretically and indicate a superior level of internal consistency. The validation process indicates that the questionnaire was appropriate for the targeted population. The validated tool is useful for the assessment of marital and family therapy with Muslim couples and families. The WIFAQ Questionnaire for Muslim Couples and Families (WQMCF) fills a critical gap in the market for a family health indicator that can be used in both local and national populations. In health care settings and organizations that provide services to families, the WQMCF may be an important screener of family and marriage counseling in Muslim couples. Individuals, communities, and nations can all benefit from a stronger understanding of the antecedents and outcomes of family health.