Vileni Flores
Chapter Discussion #4
1. (Ch7) Explain the marital decline perspective and the marital resiliency
perspective. Give examples of each.
The marital decline perspective takes the stance that marriage is increasingly
threatened by the hedonistic pursuit of personal happiness at the expense of
long-term commitment. For example, this perspective being very conservative
sees marriage as being for life and that poverty is responsible in part for the
erosion of the institution. The marital resilience perspective views that overall,
marriage is no weaker than in the past but that all families need an increase in
structural supports to survive. An example of this perspective in practice would be
easier access to services such as marriage counseling.
2. (Ch7) What factors may contribute to a successful marriage?
One factor, type of relationship with parents, has influence over whether a couple
has a successful marriage. Marital quality is enhanced when spouses recall having
secure attachments rather than avoidant attachment styles. The quality and
stability of parents’ marriage has influence because those who have seen a model
of a happy and stable marriage will carry those same traits over into their own
marriage. Shared values, goals, and characteristics are more likely to have an
enduring marriage. Those who are committed to a religion report higher levels of
marital satisfaction and commitment to their partner. Frequency and satisfaction
with sexual relationship influences not only the quality of the relationship but also
those who frequently have sex are more satisfied. In addition, satisfaction with
gender relations and the division of household labor report has influence over how
