This study examined gender differences in marital and life satisfaction in a convenience sample of 425 Chinese Malaysian men (41%) and women (59%). Consistent with findings in many Western cultures, gender role theory predictions were supported in this study. While controlling for age and education, MANCOVA tests revealed men reporting higher levels of marital satisfaction than women, whereas gender differences in life satisfaction were not found. Hierarchical regression analyses showed marital satisfaction significantly predicted life satisfaction for both men and women, but the influence was greater for women. Results are discussed with reference to the Chinese Malaysian cultural context.

This study investigated the gender and race differences on attachment-related avoidance, attachment-related anxiety, and marital satisfaction in the three major Malaysian ethnic groups (i.e., Malays, Chinese, and Indians). Results showed the females reported higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of marital satisfaction than did the males. The Malays were found to report higher levels of anxiety than both the Chinese and Indians. Further regression analyses revealed that anxiety and avoidance were significant predictors of marital satisfaction in the Chinese females, Indian males and females, and Malay males and females while avoidance was the only significant predictor in the Chinese males. Gender and race differences were also observed in the association between attachment and marital satisfaction.

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