Exploration of Marital Flourishing: A Qualitative Study of Married Couples

Abstract

The current phenomenological study explored marital experiences of Pakistani couples to investigate the factors leading to a flourishing marital life. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews that were digitally recorded and transcribed. The sample included 14 couples who were married for more than ten years. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was applied to explore the qualitative data. Two major clusters emerged from the couples’ descriptions of their marital flourishing: Personality Cluster and Relationship Cluster. The clusters was further divided that included: Commitment and Loyalty, Respect, Patterns of Communication, Degree of closeness and intimacy with the partner, Spousal support and encouragement, Interactional Styles during Conflict, Self Compassion, Ability to regulate Emotional Reactions, Capitalizing on Positive Events, Humor, Expressing love for the partner. Study has implications for Family Research Analysts working at Mental Health Solace and Pakistan Council on Family Relations. Counselors working with couples and positive psychologists can also benefit from present researchFlourishing