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Factors Predicting Marital Success

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Factors Predicting Marital Success
Running head: FACTORS PREDICTING MARITAL SUCCESS

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Considering Marriage: Factors Predicting Marital Success Annie L. Morton Liberty University

Running head: FACTORS PREDICTING MARITAL SUCCESS

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Abstract Marriage is a lifelong commitment that many make with the best of intentions, only to fail at making this covenant stand the test of time. Divorce rates are on the rise, and the instances of second, third, and fourth marriages are becoming a norm in our society. Many are choosing altogether to avoid marriage by living together and keeping their relationship casual without any formal commitment. Still others marry, only to be swept up in a life of infidelity that brings their marriage to a screeching halt. This essay will discuss key factors that can point to a marriage being successful and lasting through the turmoil of life. Some of these factors are trust, expectations, honesty, love, respect, communication, gender roles, but above all determination to go the distance. The union of marriage is losing value in Western society by it’s crumbling and the value of this union is quickly becoming obsolete. By identifying factors that cause this, the hope is that couples can take a serious look at their relationship when contemplating marriage and thus determine if they are truly ready for such a commitment.

Running head: FACTORS PREDICTING MARITAL SUCCESS

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Relationships are exciting, fun, and ultimately make a person feel validated as a human as they spend their time and love on someone else. This relationship is sought after by every humans desire to love and to feel loved. When considering marriage, however, a whole new dynamic comes into play; this time is when many couples realize that their fun and excitement they have will not stand the test of time. Nearly 50% of marriages today end up in divorce; couples that separate bring this total to as high as 67%. For second marriages, their failure rate is even higher, causing many to wonder if


References: Sampson, S., and Elrod, C. Personal Relationships, 14 (2007), 551–569. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright _ 2007 IARR. 1350-4126=07 DeMaris, A., Sanchez, L. A. and Krivickas, K. (2012), Developmental Patterns in Marital Satisfaction: Another Look at Covenant Marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 74: 989–1004. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2012.00999.x Fields, N. S. (1998). Satisfaction in Long-Term Marriages. Social Work, 28(1), 37-41 Burpee, L. C., & Langer, E. J. (2005). Mindfulness and Marital Satisfaction. Journal Of Adult Development, 12(1), 43-51. doi:10.1007/s10804-005-1581-6 Gordon, C. L., and Baucom, D. H. (2009). Examining the individual within marriage: Personal strengths and relationship satisfaction. Personal Relationships,16(3), 421435. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6811.2009.01231.x Macdonald, E. (2011, Oct 25). Front-line marriage success. Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/900309431?accountid=12085
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