Variations in couples’ egalitarian attitudes: implications for therapists

Abstract

Working with couples can be a challenge for a therapist due to the importance of deciphering their expectations of roles within the relationship. Although current literature has focused on many aspects of egalitarian attitudes, there has not been a holistic approach to reviewing predictive factors about these views in the south-east region of the United States where traditional values are prevalent. This study begins to fill that void by reviewing how 266 participants vary in egalitarian views living in the south-east. Results showed a positive relationship between egalitarian attitudes and religious affiliation, religiosity, and education. Suggestions for therapists and how this information can positively influence the therapeutic relationship when working with couples have been provided.

Keywords:

• Egalitarian attitudes
• relationship quality
• therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Mrs. Brame , McLain , and Kuss are currently marriage and family therapy students at the University of Southern Mississippi. Claire Kimberly , PhD, is an assistant professor at the same university who specializes in research surrounding marital communication and sexual health.