Assessing How Premarital Life Partner Expectations and Gender Shape Attitude Towards Marriage among Adults

The present study examines the effects of premarital life partner expectations and gender on attitudes toward marriage among young adults. The primary aim of the study was to understand how individuals’ expectations regarding their future life partners influence their attitudes toward marriage and to explore gender-wise differences in these expectations. The sample consisted of 130 individuals (65 males and 65 females) aged between 21 to 25 years, residing in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and snowball sampling techniques, ensuring voluntary participation. Data were collected using two standardized instruments: the Pre-marital Life Partner Expectations Scale (PLES–KRLP) and the Marriage Attitude Scale (MAS–KP). The study followed a quantitative, non-experimental research design. Statistical analysis was conducted using Two-Way ANOVA to examine the main and interaction effects of premarital expectations and gender on attitudes toward marriage, along with an independent samples t-test to assess gender differences in premarital expectations. The results indicated that premarital life partner expectations had a significant effect on attitudes toward marriage. Gender differences were also found to be significant, with females reporting higher premarital expectations compared to males. However, the interaction effect between premarital expectations and gender on attitudes toward marriage was not found to be significant. These findings suggest that while expectations and gender independently influence marital attitudes, their combined effect may not significantly alter these attitudes. The study contributes to a better understanding of how psychological and social factors, particularly individual expectations and gender dynamics, shape attitudes toward marriage among young adults.