Journal of Social Sciences 4 (2): 103-110, 2008 ISSN 1549-3652 © 2008 Science Publications Correspondence Author: Khodabakhsh Ahmadi,The Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University, Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Sq. P.O. Box: 19945-581,Tehran, 14548, I.R. Iran 103 The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction Khodabakhsh Ahmadi, Esfandiar Azad-Marzabadi and Seyed Mahdi Nabipoor Ashrafi The Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University, Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Sq P.O. Box: 19945-581, Tehran, 14548, I.R. Iran Abstract: The following research sought to examine the relationship between a married individual’s religiosity level and its impact upon his or her level of marital satisfaction. Findings in this connection can help strengthen families 660 heterosexually hetero-sexually couples from Tehran were studied multistage using cluster sampling. Information regarding religiosity and marital satisfaction was collected using the researcher’s prepared questionnaire and ENRICH marital satisfaction scale. The results showed that heterosexually hetero-sexually couples who observe religious beliefs have higher rate of marital satisfaction. Thus, there is a significant correlation between religiosity and marital satisfaction. Considering the relation between religiosity and nine subscales of marital satisfaction, Communication Parenting and religious orientation account for the highest rate of religiosity and sexual relationship accounts for the lowest rate of religiosity. Thus, with the increase in religiosity, marital satisfaction rate will increase and vice versa. It can be concluded that religiosity develops the grounds for marital commitment. Key words: Marital satisfaction, religiosity INTRODUCTION Although previous research supports the existence of a relationship between religiosity and marital satisfaction, relatively little is known about the relationship among various dimensions of the two variables. We already know that stable marriage is associated with improved physical, intellectual, mental and emotional health of men, women and children, as well as equipping them with the values and habits that promote prosperous economic activity [1] . Religious practice is also related to positive outcomes for the stability and quality of marriage. ON the other hand numerous sociological studies have shown that valuing religion and regularly practicing it are associated with greater marital stability, higher levels of marital satisfaction and an increased likelihood that an individual will be inclined to marry [2] . History bears witness to the antiquity of religiosity. Archaeological and anthropological studies show that religion has always been a part and parcel of human life. Will Durant [1] elieves that religions are so rich, complicated and widespread that they can be traced in all eras of human history. The fact that even a non-religious person may unconsciously refer to God or supernatural powers in time of mental crisis is a proved phenomenon. Frankel, the founder of logo therapy, believes deep and real religious feelings are rooted in the subconscious of each and every human [3,4] . Previous studies have shown that being religious, in the broad sense of the word, can moderate the results of the intense crises of life. Numerous studies on the relation between religion and mental health have been carried out during the past few years, as well. Generally, research has shown that a positive relation between religion and mental health exists [5,6] . Therefore, ‘spiritual beliefs’ can be an interesting issue to fight against problems and various illnesses. Undoubtedly, virtues play an important role in our physical and spiritual health. Same religious beliefs also affect financial management in family so that A study of heterosexually couples with divergent theological views showed that they were more likely to argue, especially about financial matters [7] . Marital satisfaction and satisfaction are two important factors in every marriage. Marital satisfaction is when the couple feels most satisfied with one another [8] . In another study which examined the association between religiosity and marital satisfaction among first-married and remarried adults the results show that Religiosity had a significant positive correlation with sexual-satisfaction problems [9] . It has