Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1990

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Human Ecology

Major Professor

Priscilla Blanton

Committee Members

Deborah Tegano, William Poppen, Cheryl Buehler, Ronald Taylor

Abstract

This study explored marital strengths in enduring marriage through the phenomenology of couples married at least 30 years. Fifteen couples were interviewed separately and in depth. The couples were asked to share their perceptions as to the strengths of their relationship and to talk about the close times in their relationship as well as times of relational distance. The more salient characteristics which emerged from this study include the following: commitment, intimacy, autonomy, congruence, religious orientation, and communication. This study suggested possible interrelationships among the concepts, which future research could attempt to verify. By definition, commitment is a prerequisite to an enduring marriage. Commitment is related to another key component, intimacy. It appears that intimacy is a central concept related to all the other key elements. Intimacy is connectedness to one's mate, although the degree of connectedness varied widely. However, intimacy needs to be tempered with autonomy in order to avoid dysfunctional enmeshment. Intimacy fosters communication, which in turn enhances intimacy. Communication and commitment also appear to be reciprocally related. Religious orientation influences commitment as well as intimacy. Although religious orientation may have a positive effect upon communication, a moralistic posture may stifle communication. One's satisfaction in marriage also is influenced by congruent expectations. The degree to which one is able to adapt to this incongruence influences his or her degree of satisfaction with the relationship. Couples who are more loosely connected may turn to other sources of fulfillment, such as career or family. However, their satisfaction with this arrangement will depend upon their congruent expectations.

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