In the master's degree we explored the impact of attending marriage groups on spouses, their relationship, and their satisfaction with their partnership.
In the theoretical part we explored the term marriage group and described the functioning of marriage groups that operate under the auspices of the association Družina in Življenje. We explored the terms relationship, marriage, family and community and tried to extract their advantages and positive impacts on society in the current unstable times. In the empirical part we used the phenomenological method to present the experience of spouses who regularly attend marriage groups, as well as the experience of spiritual guides and family therapists with marriage groups. Participants spoke about their experience and the impact of attending a marriage group on the quality of their relationship. Alongside the phenomenological method, we added a smaller survey, in which we measured individual relationship satisfaction among members of a marriage group (CSI) over a one-year cycle using a couple satisfaction questionnaire.
Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with three married couples who attend marriage groups, two spiritual guides, and two family therapists who have experience with marriage groups. Participating couples recognize that attending a marriage group has a positive impact on the quality of their relationship. The results of the follow-up survey match the responses of the interviewees. The positive impact of attending a marriage group on the quality of the partnership among members of marriage groups is also recognized by priests and marriage therapists. In this regard, priests recognize more ''living faith'' in members of marriage groups. Therapists highlight the preventive value of attending marriage groups and the opportunity to safely gain positive experience in relationships.
With the help of the phenomenological method, we also recognize in the interviews a strong connection that is established between the interviewees and other members of marriage groups and the entire association Družina in Življenje. Participants talk about honest conversations, respect, trust, support and mutual help. From this we conclude that marriage groups represent, in addition to being an encouraging and safe environment for the growth of partnerships, the elements of authentic communities.
Our research contributes to a better understanding of the term marriage group and demonstrates the positive impact of attending a marriage group on the partnership. The thesis also opens up possibilities for further research in the field of marriage groups.
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