Researchers tracked 136 marriages over a period of ten years. The couples were asked to independently rate statements that covered the following issues:
- Marriage satisfaction
- Level of commitment
- Personality traits
- Stress levels
- Problem-solving abilities
- How supportive each was with their partner
Still other marital traits were measured in a lab setting where the married couples discussed any current relationship details with researchers.
The Common Themes in Divorcing Couples
Researchers found that both couples who divorced and those who remained married did not differ on their levels of happiness or satisfaction during the first four years of marriage. What did vary was the way the spouses communicated and supported one another.The divorcing partners were more likely than the still married couples to:
- Have poor communication skills
- Display more negative emotions
- Use blame and invalidation while speaking to one another
- Discourage spouse from expressing his or her feelings
- Show "inappropriate pessimism"
- Be verbally aggressive
Many believe that this research is important to couples and therapists alike as it shows how even happy marriages can fail at the hand of poor communication and negativity.
The Virginia Beach divorce lawyers at Tavss Fletcher hope that as more research is done into the cause of failed marriages and that more marriages can be saved.
However, when marriages do fail, it is important that you have a Virginia Beach divorce lawyer with the compassion to best serve your needs; protect your future. If you would like to speak with an attorney who strives to provide the best possible service please call 757.625.1214 today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.