Nguyen Phuong Chi

Abstract: This study investigated the patterns and causes of marital conflict among staff of universities in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2024. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study sample was 292 married staff members proportionately selected from 22 universities using multi-stage sampling technique. The results showed that more than half of the respondents experience relatively low levels of marital conflict (2 times per month). The research shows that the marital conflict is affected by external factors such as work-life balance, family and in-law relationship, children-related and economic issues. Work-life challenges are the dominant reason for marital conflict, followed by issues of inequality and interpersonal issues such as personality differences and lack of understanding. The majority of couples engage in constructive behaviors. The article concludes some theory development and research directions.