Qualitative study on the experiences of married couples

ABSTRACT

This phenomenological study explored the subjective marital experiences of Trinidadian couples married for more than twenty years. The purpose of this study is to understand the phenomenon of satisfying, enduring marriages. The data was collected using semi-structured, conversational interviews that were digitally recorded and later transcribed verbatim. The couples were interviewed together by the researcher within their respective homes. The factors they highlighted that contributed to their satisfying, enduring marriages included friendship, commitment, religion, forgiveness, communication, children, role sharing, acceptance, and contentment. The data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Five major themes emerged from the couples’ descriptions of their marriages: “Attitude”, “Action”, “Children”, “Approach to Challenges” and “Religion”. Religion emerged as a factor/theme woven throughout their experiences. This study has implications for Policy Research Analysts at the Ministry of Gender and Child Affairs, the implementers of marriage programs and seminars, premarital education providers and counselors working with married couples.

KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative study
• coping strategies
• marriage
• challenges
• experiences

Ethical Consideration

This research was approved by the Campus Ethics committee. Participation in this research was voluntary. At the end of each session, the participants were debriefed to close any issues that may have awakened during the interviews.

Ethical Standard

All procedures performed involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.