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Engaging distortions: are we idealizing marriage?
J M Bonds-Raacke1, E S Bearden, N J Carriere
1Department of Behavioral Sciences, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN 38104, USA.
The Journal of Psychology
|June 14, 2001
Summary
Engaged individuals exhibit higher idealistic distortion, viewing their relationships more favorably than married or dating peers. Relationship length negatively correlates with marital satisfaction, suggesting potential challenges in long-term relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Premarital relationship dynamics significantly influence marital outcomes.
- Understanding marital expectations and satisfaction is crucial for relationship longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate premarital engagement status concerning relationship satisfaction and marital expectations.
- To analyze idealistic distortion and marital satisfaction using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 104 students (23 men, 81 women) across married, engaged, and extended dating relationship statuses.
- Utilized the Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness (ENRICH) Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS) with its Idealistic Distortion (ID) and Marital Satisfaction (MS) subscales.
- Collected data on relationship duration (average 3.8 years) and participant age (mean 22 years).
Main Results:
- Engaged individuals showed significantly higher idealistic distortion scores (M = 86.89) compared to married (M = 56.67) and extended dating groups (M = 61.19).
- A negative correlation was observed between the length of relationships and marital satisfaction subscores.
- Idealized thinking appears prevalent in premarital stages, particularly during engagement.
Conclusions:
- Engagement is characterized by heightened idealistic distortion, potentially impacting realistic marital expectations.
- Longer relationship durations may be associated with decreased marital satisfaction, warranting further investigation into contributing factors.
- The findings highlight the importance of addressing idealized perceptions in premarital counseling to foster healthier marital adjustments.