Marital Disenchantment
According to Pineo (1961, p. 3) there has been interest in the concept of ‘marital disenchantment’ since 1927, however most research conducted showed ‘marital disenchantment’ in the early stages in marriage. Additionally, Pineo found that there had been no study or work done to conclude that ‘marital disenchantment’ develops “after the marriage has endured for several years” (Pineo 1961, p. 3). Therefore according to Peterson (2004) Peter Pineo in 1961 conducted the first longitudinal study of marital happiness to illustrate marital disenchantment in the later stages in marriage. Hence this essay will discuss the concept of marital disenchantment in the later stages of marriage, the stages in mid-adulthood that might contribute to the concept of marital disenchantment according to Erikson, some of the factors that might contribute to marital disenchantment, and further suggest particular programs that may be used to address the factors that may contribute to marital disenchantment in case work or marital counselling.
‘Concept of Marital Disenchantment’ According to Peterson (2004) Pineo found in his longitudinal study of marital happiness, that “happiness with marriage deteriorates for the average couple as the years go by” (Peterson 2004, p. 483). Further Peterson concludes that Pineo proved that “spouses love for one another had diminished along with their enjoyment of being married” (Peterson 2004, p. 483). Additionally, Pineo’s study revealed that whilst love and enjoyment decreased the “threat of divorced increased” (Peterson 2004, p. 483). Furthermore, Pineo concluded that ‘disenchantment’ in marriages more than a few years old was inevitable (Peterson, 2004).
‘Marital Disenchantment in Mid-Adulthood’ The family life cycle is an important aspect when discussing marital disenchantment in mid-adulthood. This is mainly due to the fact that the family life cycle conveys the developmental phases that one might experience during marriage.
‘Concept of Marital Disenchantment’ According to Peterson (2004) Pineo found in his longitudinal study of marital happiness, that “happiness with marriage deteriorates for the average couple as the years go by” (Peterson 2004, p. 483). Further Peterson concludes that Pineo proved that “spouses love for one another had diminished along with their enjoyment of being married” (Peterson 2004, p. 483). Additionally, Pineo’s study revealed that whilst love and enjoyment decreased the “threat of divorced increased” (Peterson 2004, p. 483). Furthermore, Pineo concluded that ‘disenchantment’ in marriages more than a few years old was inevitable (Peterson, 2004).
‘Marital Disenchantment in Mid-Adulthood’ The family life cycle is an important aspect when discussing marital disenchantment in mid-adulthood. This is mainly due to the fact that the family life cycle conveys the developmental phases that one might experience during marriage.