OPENNESS TO DISSONANT OR CONFLICTUAL INFORMATION OVER THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF DYADIC FORMATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PREMARITAL COUNSELING
Abstract
Counselors within the field of marriage and family have recognized the need for a preventive approach to marital problems. Premarital intervention has most frequently taken place during the engagement period, with little empirical data supporting effectiveness of intervening during this period. The purpose of this study was to assess at which stage a couple might be most open to counseling, and more specifically, at which stage might be most open to dealing with dissonant information in their relationship. Fifteen pre-engaged couples, 20 engaged couples and 14 couples married six months to two years were studied in relation to openness to dissonant information. It was hypothesized that engaged couples would be least receptive to dealing with dissonant information. This hypothesis was based on Festinger's theory of Cognitive Dissonance which suggests the post decision process of dealing with dissonant information is qualitatively different from the pre-decision process. Comparisons were based on subjects' responses to PREPARE, a premarital assessment tool. T-Tests were utilized to determine significance of differences between groups on four pretest measures and four posttest measures. Results revealed limited support for the hypotheses that married and pre-engaged persons would be more open to dissonant information than engaged persons. Strengths and limitations were evaluated and suggestions were made for further research.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology
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