Keywords

religion, spirituality, marriage, women, marital conflict, marital hardship

Abstract

Frequent and unresolved conflict is a significant relationship risk factor for divorce, but it has also been shown that religion strengthens marriages, specifically in ways that give direction and motivation for couples in resolving marital conflict or other marital hardships. Thus, a study of how successful religious couples resolve conflict is pertinent in helping us better understand how to strengthen marriages and families. Our qualitative study of 113 highly religious women of diverse faiths and races found that women’s perceived relationship or connection with God reportedly impacted conflict resolution and coping with marital hardship. Results suggest greater reconciliation and unity with the women’s husbands through couple and relational processes, but more often through personal and psychological processes. We found that religious involvement led women to resources that strengthened their marriage. Resources discussed include (a) prayer, (b) scripture study, and (c) involvement in a faith community. This paper is the second in a two-part series.

Original Publication Citation

Lyman, E.M., Marks, L.D., Dollahite, D.C., Leavitt, C.E., Wagner, K. N., & Gergetz, S. M. How Do Religious Women Cope with Marital Conflict and Hardship? (2024). Article 1 [of 2]. Psychology International, 6, 1013–1027. https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6040063

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2024-12-13

Publisher

Psychology International

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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