Faith Integration in Marital Satisfaction
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Claira Haagenstad, Ashleigh Zaker, Lorann Stallones
Presenter(s): Claira Haagenstad
Mentors(s): Ashleigh Zaker
This research project investigates marital satisfaction among Spirit-filled Christian couples, exploring the intersection of religious beliefs and relationship quality using the strength and strain model. Marital satisfaction is crucial for overall well-being. Low levels of marital satisfaction are associated with negative psychological and physical health effects. Within faith communities, marriage is often perceived as a spiritually significant covenant. Despite the importance of this perspective, there is a notable gap in research and literature regarding how specific religious beliefs, particularly those of Spirit-filled Christians, influence marital satisfaction. While some marital guidance and counseling is provided in church settings, some couples may not feel fully supported by their faith community. Additionally, church counseling may lack psychological knowledge demonstrated in licensed therapeutic settings that could benefit marital strength and strain. Conversely, traditional counseling settings may lack an understanding of the intersections of the Christian faith and marital satisfaction. This qualitative study utilizes semi-structured interviews with adults married for at least five years in the Christian-faith community to gather in-depth narratives about their experiences. Participants share insights into the strengths and challenges within their marriages, how faith shapes their perceptions and coping mechanisms, and the role of their faith community in navigating marital dynamics. Some of these strengths include a shared belief in the marriage being a holy covenant, mutual respect, and teamwork. Some examples of strain include differences in faith participation, parenting challenges, and trust issues. The anticipated findings aim to deepen understanding of the dual role faith plays in enhancing and challenging marital satisfaction, ultimately informing the development of culturally competent support systems that integrate spiritual and psychological resources tailored for marital strength and strain in faith-based communities. This research seeks to provide valuable insights for practitioners and community leaders, fostering healthier marriages and improved mental health outcomes within Spirit-filled Christian couples.