LDS Pathways to Marriage: How does communication play a role in relationship progression?
Lattin, Kaitlin; Wilson, Cherie; Jensen, Todd; Frary, Adam; Holman, Tomas B.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of communication in the relationship progression or regression between males and females at BYU along the pathway to marriage. For most Americans, mate selection follows a predictable process of acquaintance, build-up, and [commitment] leading to legal marriage (Levinger, 1983). This process is characterized by personal choice based on mutual physical attraction, growing interpersonal involvement, and interdependence, followed by commitment to marriage and actual marriage during the period of greatest relationship satisfaction (Cate & Lloyd, 1992). It was hypothesized that communication plays an essential role in the progression or regression of dating relationships.