Center for Marital and Family Studies, Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Frontier Hall, Denver, CO 80208.
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Transformative Processes in Marriage: An Analysis of Emerging Trends
Article first published online: 8 APR 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00362.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Fincham, F. D., Stanley, S. M. and Beach, S. R. H. (2007), Transformative Processes in Marriage: An Analysis of Emerging Trends. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69: 275–292. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00362.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 APR 2007
- Article first published online: 8 APR 2007
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- commitment;
- conflict;
- marriage;
- relationship processes;
- religion;
- satisfaction
The study of conflict has dominated psychological research on marriage. This article documents its move from center stage, outlining how a broader canvas accommodates a richer picture of marriage. A brief sampling of new constructs such as forgiveness and sacrifice points to an organizing theme of transformative processes in emerging marital research. The implications of marital transformations are explored including spontaneous remission of distress, nonlinear dynamic systems that may produce unexpected and discontinuous change, possible nonarbitrary definitions of marital discord, and the potential for developing other constructs related to self-transformation in marital research.