The Suffocation Model

In the article The Suffocation Model: Why Marriage in America Is Becoming an All-or-Nothing Institution written by Eli J. Finkel, Elaine O. Cheung, Lydia F. Emery, Kathleen L. Carswell, and Grace M. Larson, the shift of marriage in American history was exemplified. These authors elaborated on how marriage has currently been deemed the suffocation model and the positive and negative connotations this type of marriage consists of was brought to light. A brief view of the different eras of marriage from 1776 to present are shown as well as how each era fits in with Maslow’ hierarchy of needs. The purpose of marriage throughout American history has shifted from helping your spouse meet economic and political needs to fulfilling intimacy needs to helping them in their personal growth. Thus arises the suffocation model which has negative consequences as Americans
al. 2015). Americans are more stressed today than ever and also overloaded with information, interruptions and multitasking responsibilities. Americans search to have marriage help fulfill higher needs but the drive that and energy that this takes turns Maslow’s hierarchy into a mountain more than a pyramid. The suffocation model suggests that parallel effects emerge when individuals seek to meet their needs through marriage using a supply-and-demand analysis. Three avenues are said to help marriage flourish and help spouses who lack sufficient tools to reach the level of success to keep a marriage alive.
The first avenue is the level of investment in regards to reallocating their time to their marriage. Scheduling regular date nights is a prime example of this. Giving each other time is a valuable source to let the other know that this is a team