MENTAL TOUGHNESS, QUALITY OF LIFE AND MARITAL SATISFACTION IN UNSKILLED LABOR CLASS IN CHITRAL

Abstract

This quantitative correlational study examined the relationships between mental toughness, quality of life, and marital satisfaction among unskilled laborers in Chitral, Pakistan, a population significantly impacted by socioeconomic challenges. A correlational research design with mediation analysis was employed, and the sample consisted of 200 unskilled laborers (n = 100 males, n = 100 females), with (n = 50 males, n = 50 females) from Upper Chitral and (n = 50 males, n = 50 females) from Lower Chitral. The sample was collected using a non-random purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using validated scales Mental Toughness Questionnaire, the World health Organization Quality of Life WHOQOL-BREF, and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS). The Pearson correlation used to find relationships among variables, while regression assessed mental toughness as a predictor of quality of life and marital satisfaction. ANOVA examined demographic differences, and a t-test assessed gender differences. Mediation analysis tested the indirect effect of mental toughness on marital satisfaction via quality of life. The findings revealed that mental toughness significantly predicted quality of life (β = .598, p < .001) and marital satisfaction (β = .485, p < .001), with quality of life partially played a role of mediation in the relationship. ANOVA showed no significant differences across job types, while the t-test found no significant gender differences. Pearson correlation revealed a strong positive relationship between mental toughness and quality of life." (r = .59), as well as between mental toughness and marital satisfaction(r = .48). These findings suggest that individuals with higher mental toughness are better suited to foster supportive and satisfying marital relationships despite socioeconomic hardships.