Men and marital commitment
Abstract
This exploratory, qualitative study examines the experience of marital commitment for men during a difficult time in their marriage. Interviews with eleven married men were systematically conducted and analyzed utilizing the constant comparative method. All of these men were currently satisfied in their marriages but recalled a period of time when they experienced severe difficulties in the relationship with their spouse. The semi-structured interviews revolved around their commitment rationale during this especially difficult time. Three major themes emerged in this study of commitment rationale. The men were influenced to stay in their marriages during difficult times by Attraction-Based elements of rationale, characterized by their attraction to their partner, the relationship, or marriage identity; Higher-Order elements of rationale, characterized by adherence to moral and philosophical principles related to the institution of marriage, obligation to wife or children, personal accountability, and beliefs about spiritual growth through challenge; and Structural elements of rationale, characterized by the men's more basic orientation to the world as it related to their personality, wariness of alternatives, social pressure, parental modeling, and sense of investment . For most of these men, the Higher-Order elements of rationale seemed to be the most salient during their marital struggle. Though there were some important differences, the themes and categories that emerged in this study were remarkably similar to M. P. Johnson's (1991) proposed commitment framework. Two lesser themes that emerged—infidelity and use of therapy—were also included in the analysis. These findings were discussed in relation to the literature on men and marriage, with implications for marital therapy noted throughout. Finally, a section devoted to the future of men and marriage was included, along with a brief discussion of this study's strengths and limitations and suggestions for future research.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Sprenkle, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Social psychology
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