“Factors of successful marriage: Creating a Marriage that is Lasting and Fulfilling” by Peg Pickering is a quick self-help guide to marital satisfaction. I received this book in the week ending September 2021. At first, I was very skeptical because the author’s own definition of marital satisfaction seems somewhat outdated. Nevertheless, I followed the advice and recommendations and found that “Factors of Successful Marriage” really did help me to understand what is important in a marriage and how we can improve our marriage performance.
About Factors Of Successful Marriage
The book presents seven categories or dimensions of successful marriage, which are intimacy, communication, compromise, open communicating, tolerance, and fun. It does not present a list of positive aspects of each dimension but provides an explanation of the factors by using the seven categories of the conventional content analysis model. Peg Pickering does not use the word “equivalence” to compare the positive aspects of each dimension. However, she presents her argument in terms of using “equivalence” in order to compare the positive aspects of these seven dimensions with the others.
I think this is an effective method to compare the factors. First, it forces both parties to be accountable for their behavior. By requiring couples to report on their behaviors and reactions, the researchers can then see whether they are getting along well within the marriage. If the two parties are getting along well, it means that there are no major differences between them, which means that the factors of success are met. If, on the other hand, there are major differences, then we have an example of where one spouse has significantly worsened the situation compared to the other.
What Marital Satisfaction Model Includes
Second, the marital satisfaction model includes some elements that we traditionally call “trivial matters.” Trivial matters are those aspects of the marriage that do not contribute to marital happiness or practical relationships. These elements include financial issues, children, and children’s adjustment to home and school. The researchers determined that these were the most common problems that led to marital problems. By adding these elements to the model, the researchers were able to determine what aspects of a successful marriage are influenced by trivial matters and what are influenced by other more important factors.
In addition, the study looked at factors affecting the spouses’ attitudes, values, beliefs, and so on. These are the traditional elements that have been used in psychological studies in the past. In this case, however, the researchers measured SMFQ scores from the spouses themselves. These scores were then correlated with various aspects of the cultural context and the marriage environment. The factors influencing SMFQ were then psychometrically evaluated using a unique questionnaire.
Significant Contributors To Marital Happiness
In this study, we found that there are only three factors that are significant contributors to marital happiness and the other factors affecting SMFQ are correlated with each other. The first factor is the social support network that each spouse has. In general, when a person does not know how other people feel and has no one to talk to, he/she tends to be unhappy. But if there are people who can help and provide social support, such as close friends and relatives, the relationship is more likely to be happy. The second factor that is significant is the family environment.
In our present day Iranian society, marriage is very traditional. It is not uncommon for a woman to stay away from her home for several years in order to settle down with a male family member. However, if she chooses to return home, her family will not pressure her to leave her husband and start a family. This aspect is important because many Iranians have issues with the role of gender discrimination. In addition, many families do not provide a woman with monetary freedom to decide whether or not to remarry once she has given birth to her second child.
Final Thoughts
This qualitative study shows that there are key elements of a successful marriage that depend on the location and culture of the couple’s origin and that are relevant to couples from Iran, but which may also apply to couples residing in various countries. Factors such as the location of the couple’s residence, their parents’ culture, their spouses’ culture, and the quality of local family life are important determinants of marital happiness. A good example of a location where the elements of a successful marriage are strong is Teheran. Many young couples from Teheran have succeeded in creating a successful life-long partnership despite the obstacles they faced. In addition, the use of a skilled marriage counselor in Iran could also improve the chances of success.
