Identity Development, Differentiation, Personal Authority, and Degree of Religiosity as Predictors of Interfaith Marital Satisfaction

Abstract

This study investigated four predictors of interfaith marital satisfaction: identity status, differentiation, personal authority, and religiosity. A questionnaire was given to 84 interfaith married individuals assessing these four predictors plus marital satisfaction. Multiple regression analysis found that individuals with an achieved identity reported more marital satisfaction and individuals with a foreclosed identity reported less marital satisfaction. Differentiation also predicted increased marital satisfaction, and personal authority predicted decreased marital satisfaction. This study provides useful information for therapists during premarital therapy because it allows clients to discuss their viewpoints, which may decrease the likelihood of divorce and increase marital satisfaction.

Rejection sensitivity and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships: The mediating role of differentiation of self.

“…However, given the overlap between the concepts of differentiation of self and emerging adults’ core developmental tasks, it is possible that differentiation of self plays an important role in young people’s romantic experiences, and ultimately, their satisfaction in romantic relationships. Indeed, differentiation of self has been found to predict relationship satisfaction for married individuals (Parsons, Nalbone, Killmer, & Wetchler, 2007; Peleg, 2008). As dating relationships are common in emerging adulthood (Shulman & Connolly, 2013), the exploration of differentiation of self and its links with relationship satisfaction is warranted for this particular population.…”

Spanish Adaptation Of The Differentiation Of Self Inventory-Revised (DSI-R)

“…Higher levels of differentiation of self have been linked with better psychological adjustment in adulthood (e.g., Bray, Harvey & Williamson, 1987;Greene, Hamilton & Rolling, 1986;Jenkins, Buboltz, Schwartz & Johnson, 2005), greater capacity for emotional self-regulation, self regulation of attention and behavior, adult attachment security (e.g., Skowron & Dendy, 2004;Skowron, Holmes & Sabatelli, 2003;Thorberg & Lyvers, 2006;Wei, Vogel, Ku & Zakalik, 2005), and fewer psychological symptoms and relationship difficulties (e.g., Bartle-Haring, 1997;Bartle-Haring & Gregory 2003;Peleg, 2002;Schwartz, Thigpen & Montgomery, 2006;Skowron, 2000;Skowron & Friedlander, 1998;Skowron, Stanley & Shapiro, 2009). Studies have also shown that higher levels of differentiation of self are linked to greater marital satisfaction among heterosexual and same-sex couples (e.g., Kosek, 1998;Montes-Berges, 2009;Parsons, Nalbone, Killmer &Wetchler, 2007;Peleg, 2008;Skowron, 2000;Spencer & Brown, 2007), and adults who report greater differentiation of self are at lower risk for engaging in child abuse and other forms of family violence (Skowron, Kozlowski, & Pincus, 2010;Skowron & Platt, 2005). Also, findings indicate that differentiation appears to moderate (Knauth, Skowron & Escobar, 2006;Murdock & Gore, 2004) and mediate (Skowron Wester & Azen, 2004), the effects of stress on coping and adjustment in emerging adults.…”

Psychometric characteristics of the Hungarian Version of the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire (PAFSQ-H)

“…Egy másik vizsgálatban feltárták, hogy a személyes autoritás csökkenti az elégedettséget a különbözõ felekezetû házasságokban (Parsons, Nalbone, Killmer, & Wetchler, 2007). Továbbá pozitív összefüggéseket találtak a PAFSQ összes alskálája és a marihuánafogyasztás között (Russo, 2009).…”