Abstract

A fundamental purpose of this study was to provide marriage preparation providers with counselors perceptions of potential marital problem areas. A structured questionnaire was sent to LDS counselors, defined as members of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists (AMCAP). These LDS counselors rated 29 problem areas that LDS couples, (members members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), might encounter in a first marriage or remarriage. Results (N=231) were analyzed in an attempt to determine the most frequent, most damaging and most difficult problems to deal with in LDS first marriages and remarriages.

Findings suggest that "communication", "sex", "unrealistic expectations of marriage or spouse", "money management" and "power struggles" were all identified as most frequent and most damaging problems/complaints first time LDS marriages might encounter. Problems with "previous marriage", "serious individual problems", "children", "power struggles", "unrealistic expectations of marriage or spouse", "communication" and "money management/finances" were identified as most frequent and damaging to LDS remarital couples.

For both LDS first marriages and remarriages, problems with "power struggles" were identified as frequent and damaging, however, this topic is not commonly addressed in marriage preparation programs. These findings suggest that issues of power should be included as an area of focus in marriage preparation programs.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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