Recent marriage research has highlighted several important findings that can inform couples therapy:
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Emotional communication is crucial: Studies have shown that couples who communicate more positively and effectively about their emotions are more satisfied in their marriages. Couples therapy can help couples learn to communicate from their emotions more effectively.
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Shared experiences are important in relationships: Couples who engage in novel and exciting activities together report higher levels of marital satisfaction. Couples therapy can help couples find new activities to share and strengthen their bond and encourages couples out of their comfort zones.
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As we know, gender roles are evolving: Modern couples tend to have more egalitarian attitudes towards gender roles, and research demonstrates that this can improve marital satisfaction. Couples therapy can help couples navigate the changing expectations around gender roles in marriage.
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Conflict is inevitable: All couples experience conflict, but how they handle it can make a big difference. Couples therapy can teach couples conflict resolution skills to help them navigate disagreements in a healthy way.
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Intimacy is key: A strong physical and emotional connection is important for marital satisfaction. Couples therapy can help couples improve their intimacy and build a stronger bond.
Overall, couples therapy can help couples navigate the challenges and opportunities of marriage, and recent research can inform therapy practices to improve outcomes for couples.
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Emotional communication: Jones, S., & Bodie, G. D. (2019). The association between emotional communication and relationship satisfaction: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(7), 2131-2150.
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Shared experiences: Aron, A., Norman, C. C., Aron, E. N., & Heyman, R. E. (2017). Couples' shared participation in novel and arousing activities and experienced relationship quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113(6), 947-971.
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Gender roles: Gaunt, R. (2020). Women's work? Gender norms and inequality in the 21st century. Annual Review of Sociology, 46, 463-480.
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Conflict resolution: Bodenmann, G., Atkins, D. C., Schär, M., & Poffet, V. (2010). The association between daily stress and sexual activity. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(3), 271-279.
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Intimacy: Mark, K. P., Janssen, E., & Milhausen, R. R. (2011). Infusing sex education with relationship education: A randomized control trial of the effectiveness of the Best Sex/Best Relationship program. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 6(4), 365-383.
Note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other studies that have explored these topics.
With over a decade of experience in private practice, Dr. Melissa Hudson is a seasoned expert in couples therapy, providing cutting-edge techniques and strategies to help couples overcome their challenges and build stronger relationships. Click here for more information on the therapy services provided.