In a time when conservatives worry that allowing homosexual to marry will destroy the sanctity of marriage and the family, heterosexual Americans are divorcing at a greater rate than ever before. The ratio of divorces to marriages is around 50% , suggesting that half of all marriages are doomed to fail. Moreover, many of these divorces are in families with children. A study in 2005 found that 37% of America children do not grow up with both biological parents. (Popenoe, 2007) Discovering what leads to divorce and the psychological ramifications for it are becoming increasingly relevant as this divorce trend continues to grow.
[...] Discussion Religion impacts marital conflict and marital satisfaction in many complex ways. Conventional wisdom often suggests that religiously homogeneous marriages are a strong predictor of marital harmony and satisfaction, but recent research does not seem to suggest that such a link is very strong or consistent. Although they are influenced by religion, similarities in core values worldviews and activities seem to be much more effective predictors of marital satisfaction than similarities in religious affiliation. In addition, research suggests that religion homogeneity prevents conflict and religious heterogeneity increases it. [...]
[...] (Gaunt, 2006) Religion and Conflict Management Even though religion only indirectly causes and prevents conflict, it is still one of the greatest factors in predicting long term marital stability. Three separate studies found that participants in “successful long-term marriages” (i.e., satisfying marriages of 25+ years) listed religiosity as one of the top five facilitative factors. (Marks, 2006) Accordingly religion cannot simply be dismissed as only a weak or indirect effect. In a series of interviews by Goodman and Dollahite (2006) of highly religious couples, all participants perceived themselves and their marriages to be better off as a result of their faith and divine intervention. [...]
[...] : the relationship between marital processes and marital outcomes. Hillsdale, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Heaton, T. B. (1984). Religious Homogamy and Marital Satisfaction Reconsidered. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 729-733. Keister, L. A. (2007). Upward Wealth Mobility: Exploring the Roman Catholic Advantage. Social Forces, 1195-1225. Lambert, N. M., & Dollahite, D. C. (2006). How Religiosity Helps Couples Prevent, Resolve, and Overcome Marital Conflict*. Family Relations, 439-449. Marks, L. (2006). Religion and Family Relational Health: An Overview and Conceptual Model. [...]
[...] Thus, religion promotes people to be aware of the needs of their marriage partner and others close relationships. (Dudley & Kosinski, 1990) Thus, couples who are more aware and tolerant of their partner's desires are less likely to “step on each other's shoes”. According to Allport, this is especially true by individual who have a strongly internalized their beliefs and practices. “Useful for the self in granting safety, social standing, solace, and endorsement for one's chosen way of life . [...]
[...] The purpose of this review is to discover how and why religion affects marital conflict and marital satisfaction. The study will examine how religion can both generate, avoid, and help people manage conflict. The study will also examine how it can lead to both healthy and unhealthy behavior that affects marital satisfaction. In addition, this review will discuss potential socioeconomic and racial variables that are associated with religion and how they affect marital conflict and happiness. Spousal Similarity and Marital Satisfaction People of the same religion often also share similar values and perspectives on the world. [...]
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