The Shared Experience of Marriage and Commitment of Couples Who Have Been Married for Over 30 Years: Challenges and Resilience in Marriage

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to explore the experience of marriage commitment for individuals who have been married for over 30 years. Current research indicates that commitment is the leading cause of marital dissolution. Moreover, research indicates that marriage commitment is associated with several factors (e.g., marriage beliefs, communication, relationship maintenance, and marriage quality) that aid in the stability and satisfaction of long-term marriages. The framework for the study included marital commitment in constructivism learning theory, with biblical concepts of marital relationship, and the intergenerational theory. Concept mapping was used as a means of data analysis collection and visual representation of findings. Findings of the study indicated that individuals learn about commitment from their family of origin, whether from biological parents or other caregivers, and through adulthood relationship experiences, which aid in marriage longevity. The couples in the study shared (a) commitment beliefs, (b) resiliency, and (c) spirituality or religious beliefs to be linking key factors that aid in their long-term marriage. Commitment is found to be reinforced during marital experiences and challenges and religious or spiritual beliefs, which all aid in building resiliency. The findings in this current study provide information that will help counselors and pastors develop and implement approaches to help strengthen couples’ commitment beliefs while also strengthening their resiliency and faith (spiritual or religious), which have also been shown to impact marital commitment. The findings can also help couples who are looking for information on the key factors of commitment that help maintain a marriage.