An Analytical Approach for Ideal Spouse Selection Criteria Using AHP Method

Abstract

Selecting an ideal spouse is crucial for long-term relationship satisfaction and stability, as mismatches in core values, emotional compatibility, or priorities can lead to marital conflicts and decreased quality of life. This study presents an Ideal Spouse Selection Framework using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify and prioritize key criteria in partner selection. Essential factors identified from the literature include religion, affection, personal values, mental health, financial stability, communication, and shared interests. These criteria reflect qualities vital for relationship harmony, including aligned values, emotional support, and financial compatibility, which contribute to a resilient partnership. Using AHP, respondents ranked these criteria to reflect their perceived importance in a life partner. Religion emerged as the most critical factor, highlighting the importance of shared spiritual beliefs and cultural alignment. Affection, personal values, and mental health and emotional stability follow closely, emphasizing the role of emotional stability and ethical alignment. Financial stability, dynamic relationships, no negative traits are also valued but are secondary to these core traits. Meanwhile, physical appearance, communication, interests/hobbies and career and family are considered less critical, indicating that respondents prioritize enduring compatibility factors over initial attraction or leisure activities. This framework offers a structured method for assessing potential partners, helping individuals make decisions based on alignment with deeper, enduring qualities rather than transient traits. Not selecting a compatible spouse can increase the risk of conflicts, dissatisfaction, and emotional distress, impacting both personal well-being and family stability. Future research could explore the integration of fuzzy AHP to capture subjective preferences more accurately and examine the model across different cultural groups to understand regional variations in spouse selection.