Abstract

Although religiosity often associates with marital satisfaction in sociological studies, very few studies have examined religiosity strengthening marital commitment for women of faith. This study used an exemplary sample to explore how religious, heterosexual married women view religion strengthening their marital commitment. Interviews from 196 highly religious couples provided insight into the following themes and subthemes (1) personal commitment, (a) decision to marry, (b) religious beliefs and practices, and (c) requires effort and sacrifice; (2) moral commitment, (a) sexual relations before marriage, (b) promises made before God, friends, and family, and (c) fidelity and feelings about divorce; and (3) structural commitment, (a) church and faith community, (b) God is a part of our union, and (c) the family unit. Qualitative data taken directly from interviews provide detailed support in the paper for each theme and subtheme. The most influential aspect in each theme, as described by our participants, was how their religious beliefs and practices strengthened their personal commitment, how their promises made before God, friends, and family reinforced their moral commitment, and how a church and faith community bolstered their structural commitment. When all three commitment types are considered together, and are reinforced through effectual religiosity, they each work in connection to promote marital flourishing.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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

Date Submitted

2025-04-23

Document Type

Thesis

Keywords

commitment, faith, family, interdependence theory, marriage

Language

english

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