Abstract
This paper explores the key elements of communication in marriage. It discusses some of the obstacles to effective communication, the damage done to a marriage when there is a lack of communication, and some methods for fostering effective communication.

From the Paper
"It's been said many times before, but it must be said again. Marriage is the process of sharing. Communication is the key to this process. Indeed, communication between a married couple is the equivalent of sharing with one another. They communicate with one another both verbally and non-verbally in such a way that their partner understands what they mean. Quality communication is not just the sharing of words, but also the ability to listen and understand. (Leman, Pg 1) The following paragraphs will explore the key elements of communication in marriage. "

Tags:marrying, divorcing, spouses, problems, marital, relationship, blame, aggressive, reaction, arguments

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the couple in the movie, 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' believed they knew each other, but even after six years of marriage, they didn't really know each other. In fact, the writer points out that they are both paid killers for different firms but neither one of them knew this about the other. The writer maintains that the movie does a good job of showing the problems a couple can have in their marriage. Further, the writer notes that the moral value of this movie is that couples must develop communication skills where they share their feelings and the ability to have empathy for one another is important in marriage.

From the Paper
"The setting of the movie begins with the couple being in marriage counseling. When the movie first starts, John Smith (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie) are attending marriage counseling. While once they found themselves madly in love, after six years they are struggling. Part of the problem is that they hide their feelings especially anger toward one another. The writer focuses on the problems the couple has and then they escalate when they discover they are on opposite teams. Their inability to communicate openly with one another from the beginning has now turned to anger with the desire to kill one another. The writer does a good job at portraying the feelings of the couple."

Tags:feelings, counseling, anger, spouse

Abstract
This paper examines how conflict in marriages can happen for a number of reasons, and in many cases, can lead to a decline in intimacy, or an imbalance in power and resolutions. It shows how couples may not realize the impact their lack of communication can have on their partner, especially if they are unaware that there is a conflict brewing. It looks at how open communication is the key to preventing any conflict from occurring, but in the chance that it does, couples need to assess the conflict and discuss it in a clear and concise manner before attempting a resolution. It discusses how intimacy is also an area of a marriage that requires mutual respect from each party and a desire to have a balance in regards to one's own needs and the partner's. Once conflict has been resolved, the truest form of intimacy in a marriage will be uninhibited and free of stresses placed upon it from other areas of the relationship.

Outline
Introduction
Conflict Elements
Wilmot-Hocker Assessment
Nature of the Conflict
Interests
Power
Styles
Assessment
Personal Intervention
Attempted Solutions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Gender roles in a marital conflict can have an influential function in how gender sways a conflict and resolution. This does not only mean male and female roles within the marriage can sway the situation (i.e. "I'm the man, I'm the boss of the house") but also contribute to how communication is perceived and responded to. "Gender-related effects have been reported in perceived intensity of others' anger, interpretation of one's own affective state, expression of anger, conflict engagement strategies with partner, conflict management styles, and evaluation of spouses' messages during discussion of conflictual issues" (El-Sheikh, 2000)."

Tags:gender, roles, intimacy, couples, respect

Abstract
This paper investigates the hypothesis that one of the most important factors in the happiness of married couples is the character and quality of inter-spousal communication. Next, the author reviews literature regarding issues of divorce and marital unhappiness and of communications within marriage. The paper concludes that contemptuous communication toward either spouse by the other is the single most frequent cause of an unhappy marriage.

Table of Contents:
Outline
Introduction
Characterization of the Issue
Outline of the Research Area
Outline of the Research Hypotheses
Outline of the Expected Research Findings
History, Background Information, and Definitions
Brief History of the Issues
Background of Prior Research
Definitions of Key Concepts and Distinctions
Discussion
Detailed Discussion of Various Issues in Divorce and Marital Unhappiness
Distinction between Various Marital Problems and their Respective Importance
Identifying the Crucial Importance of Interpersonal Communication in Marriage
Possible Alternate Explanations
Specific Communication Distinctions and their Relation to the Health of Marital and Other Intimate Committed Relationships
Conclusion
Summary of Research Findings
Confirmation of Hypothetical Expectations

From the Paper
"Therefore, communication patterns and styles are not viewed as isolated behavioral components of current-day marriage and family relationships. The prevailing view in the field of the psychology of human relationships is that many aspects of marital communication are merely manifestations of our choices of partner. As such, they are
dictated by principles of psychological repetition. Just as chronic victims of abuse characteristically find themselves drawn to abusive partners and often select partners who display every indication of being abusers, individuals also tend to be drawn to potential
marital partners who mirror some elements of family-of-origin interpersonal dynamics."

Tags:happiness, human pair bonding patterns, divorce, long-term viability, gender-based differences

Abstract
This paper examines conflict resolution strategies in a marriage or committed relationship, and addresses the ways in which effective communication and candor will benefit any relationship. The paper explores strategies for resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.

From the Paper
"Andy and Martha have been married for five years. Andy has an opportunity for a promotion that would require a ... mile move. Martha enjoys her job and does not want to move and Martha rejects the idea that the marriage can survive a long-distance relationship. Neither party can think of a simple solution. Neither party wants to compromise. In evaluating the situation, it appears that both parties have legitimate concerns. Specifically, Andy is concerned about his career and Martha believes that Andy..."

Tags:Covered resolution, communication, marriage, differences, compromise, sensitivity, fact-based decisions, marriage counselor, deadlock, career

Abstract
This paper emphasizes the need for better communications to keep relationships vibrant and healthy in marriage. The author contrasts the communications need and the styles of men and women. The paper points out the challenges of human communication in long term relationships.

From the Paper
"Marriage as well as other personal relationships represents a challenging and intriguing context in which to examine communication structures."

Tags:marriage, married life, communications, goals of better marriage, saving marriage

Abstract
The paper selects three of the nine topics covered in chapter 4 of Worthington's "Hope Focused Marriage Counseling". The paper examines 'Values and Personal Beliefs,' 'Vision of Marriage' and 'Communication' as they seemed to be at the base of providing the type of faith and hope that the author describes. Each of these topics are described and reasons are provided.

From the Paper
"In chapter four of Everett L. Worthington's book "Hope Focused Marriage Counseling", the author identifies nine interconnected areas, which like the systems of the human body, are essential for dealing with the causes of marital difficulties. As is the general philosophy of the book, rather than have the counselor "zeroing in on individual issues, the counselor needs to "intervene to promote love, faith and work." (p. 59-60). The most important of three of these nine areas would be (1) Central beliefs and values, (2) Core vision and (3) communication. Central Beliefs and Values are defined as the "aspects of living that...""

Tags:counselling, communication, faith

Abstract
This paper discusses Gottman's years of research into marriage and divorce that culminated in his seven principles for making marriage work. The paper explores these principles as expressed in his book "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" and explains how Gottman could categorize his accurate divorce rate using six signs based on the way couples argue with one another. The paper recommends Gottman's questionnaires and exercises for couples but notes that both spouses have to be open-minded and ready to participate in the exercises and follow through with Gottman's suggestions.

From the Paper
"The main source of Gottman's information comes from sixteen years of "extensive and innovative" (1) research into marriage and divorce. One study consisted of observing fifty couples in a "Love Lab," (1) disguised to look and feel like a studio apartment, but with three video cameras tracking and recording the couples' conversations and actions over a weekend. Gottman also has his participants strap sensors to their bodies to track "bodily signs of stress or relaxation" (2) during the hours between 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. Furthermore, Gottman "[interviews] couples about the history of their marriage, their philosophy about marriage, how they viewed their parents' marriages...and videotaped [the couples] talking to each other about how their day went, while discussing areas of continuing disagreement in their marriage and joyful topics" (7). At the same time Gottman measured "their heart rate, blood flow, sweat output, blood pressure, and immune function" (7) to check for stress levels. Basically, his recommendations for making marriage work are based on the results from his studies on the couples forming the basis of his Seven Principles (8)."

Tags:divorce, spouses, couples, communication, arguments

Abstract
This paper describes and compares three theories, which serve as the basis for successful intervention and therapy in the treatment of marriage and family systems: strategic communications (systemic), solution focused (constructivist) and object relations (psychodynamic) theories. The author uses the film "When a Man Loves a Woman", directed by Luis Mandoki (1994) as the case study. The paper analyzes this case study by means of the three theories.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Theories
Strategic Communications Theory
Solutions Focused Therapy
Object Relations
The Case Study

From the Paper
"The dynamics of Alice's rehabilitation are those as experienced by families in the real world in the sense that it has a tendency to create a new social circle for the patient, separate and apart from the family co-counseling aspect of treatment. When the patient, the family, enters this new social realm of therapy and support within a group therapeutic setting, it leaves Alice's husband, Michael, feeling left out, inadequate because he cannot be the source of her healing, and jealous of Alice's trust and confidence in the group that she has by virtue of her disease now become a part of."

Tags:communication alcoholism, therapeutic relationship, rehabilitation redefine

Abstract
This paper discusses the drama of Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary." The paper views the two works in tandem in order to paint a more complete picture of the failures inherent in 19th century marriage ideology. The paper suggests that, viewed individually, the works do not provide as clear a picture of this ideology.

From the Paper
"Unlike Torvald, Charles approves of and facilitates his wife's indulgences because he derives pleasure from them and lacks Torvald's frugal and controlling character. Yet the division between the worlds of men and women in Madame Bovary still lays the grounds for an unhappy and uncommunicative marriage, just as it does in "A Doll's House." Because of Charles' lack of understanding of what such frivolities mean to Emma--they symbolize her longing for a romantic, sensual life that will take her away from him--a rift between husband and wife is created that is just as profound and damaging as Torvald's incomprehension of how his isolation of Nora from the real world will divide the two of them."

Tags:relationships, communication, liberated