Abstract

All couples confront conflict in their marriage. Finding ways to navigate couple conflict is a topic that has been explored for several decades among marriage researchers (Rollin & Dowd, 1979). Repair, a strategy to help reconcile a situation or conversation that has gone awry, is important in helping couples overcome conflict. When couples are not able to repair and move forward, resentment arises. Unfortunately, the research on repair and resentment is limited, and the complexity of these variables can make it difficult to conceptualize. The present study utilized a qualitative lens (grounded constructivist theory) to explore relational repair and resentment in greater depth, hoping to capture the intricacies of how conflict arises and how couples either successfully or unsuccessfully get back on track and repair damage that has occurred. An analysis of 45 participant interviews revealed three main themes: 1) foundational elements 2) mid and post-rupture actions and, 3) moving forward. Clinical implications of the themes and corresponding sub-themes are discussed.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2022-08-02

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd12977

Keywords

conflict, repair, resentment, reconciliation, intimate relationships

Language

english

Download

Share

COinS