Introduction
Marriage is a union of two individuals sharing the same aspirations and dreams. From there the small unit of organization can be established which is called the family. Marriage can be expensive and flamboyant according to the preferences of the couples, what matters most is there understanding and affection that they feel towards each other.
Background and Problem Statement
Emotions can be the center of human actions. For men, they probably hate to think or to see that his wife or partner is making any drama and eventually crying. For women, they don’t like the idea of being hurt. All of the human actions are triggered with their ability to feel and how to communicate their feelings. In the sense that there are problems between the couple, the intimacy might be at stake. In this case, the marital counseling and/or therapy are advised to avoid the marital distress. However, how will an effective communication can resolve or enhances the couples’ marital intimacy?
Research Aims and Objectives
The aim of the study centers in the application of communication in the practice of marital counseling or therapy. It is identified that the common problem that may arise between the couples is the marital distress or the point where there is no love at all and the only solution is to end their relationship through separation or annulment. With this idea, there are three formulated objectives that can serve as the steps in answering the problem experienced by the married couples.
· To assess the current situation and tracing the center of their problem
· To recognize the marital counseling interventions and measuring its effectiveness in the application in the couple
· To determine the power of communication even if there is no moderator between the couple
Literature Review
Probably the most common problem that may arise not only between the couple but also between the individuals is the poor communication. Unhappy couples ended confessing their problems to the moderator or marriage counselor because of the lack of communication or the lack of time in each other. Couples relatively avoid talking the problems in their relationship. And this triggers to the second common problem which is the expectancy of the other to their better half. In an instance, women are expecting their husband to know what they feel even if they don’t share about it. Apparently, the result is far from what they truly expect and this is usually the case of misunderstanding. When the problem finally reached its peak, the marital distress kicks in and losses the marital intimacy between the couple is slowly creeping out. The lack of love and feeling for each other is like lack of commitment to be and stay in their relationship, which is not a good sign for the married couple to continue their journey (Newman, 2008). Many legal advisors and counselors already formulate the appropriate solution to enhance the couple’s relationship. Through the essence of awareness of the issues and communication, the leading causes of marital distress can be minimized until completely gone (Forrest and Steigerwald, 2004). Marital therapy can start by identifying the behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses of the couple. Second is the use of the specific communication skills that can improve the quality of communication and produce the closeness between them that might lead in intimacy (Newman, 2008). Communication between two people can be developed and better assessment in the construction of the conflict management and intimacy. Communication skills as being taught by the marital therapists should provide positive results (Markman, et al., 2004).
Methodology
The suggested methods in the study are the use of the secondary information that can be gained from the past studies and through the interview. There is a wide range of studies that the researcher/s might take a look, from the academic studies to clinical studies particularly on the part of psychology are effective tools to navigate the study towards its aim. It is an advantage for the study to also consult the experts through and their view and practice on marital counseling and therapy. Interviews can be also done with the participation of the couples who recently experienced the marital distress is a good investment of information. With the help of the secondary information and interviews from either marital advisor or couple (or both), the study can clearly start its analysis about the communication and its effectiveness in marital problems.
Conclusion
Marital distress or unhappy marriage life can start with communication and can be resolved through the use of communication. Couple should remember that, a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger and the tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
References:
Forrest, A., & Stegierwald, F., (2004) An Examination of Gender and Ethics in Family Counseling: A Case Study Approach – Part 1, The Family Journal, Vol. 12, No. 2, p. 174, Accessed 01 June 2010, from http://www.sagepub.com/counselingstudy/Journal%20Articles/Forrest.pdf
Markman, H.J., Renick, M.J., Floyd, F.J., Stanley, S.M., & Clements, M., (2004) “ Preventing Marital Distress Through Communication and Conflict Management Training: A 4- and 5-Year Follow-Up”, American Psychological Association, Accessed 01 June 2010, from http://www.prepinc.com/main/docs/communication_conflict_a_4_and_5yr_followup.pdf
Newman, P., (2008) “Marital Distress”, The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Accessed 01 June 2010, from http://www.abct.org/docs/Members/FactSheets/MARITAL%20DISTRESS%200707.pdf
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