Integrity and fidelity in highly religious marriages

Objective

We used qualitative data to evaluate how religious and interfaith couples may view the influences of fidelity and/or loyalty on their marriage.

Background

Religion often regulates beliefs surrounding marriage and sexuality. Religion tends to support fidelity to marital vows. Previous quantitative studies indicated that higher religiosity is linked with higher levels of marital stability and satisfaction.

Method

Using semistructured interviews with 261 married couples (N = 522) who were identified as both religious and relational exemplars, the potential connections and processes between religion, relationships, and fidelity or integrity were examined.

Results

Three core themes emerged from systematic team-based analyses: (1) integrity and/or fidelity strengthened marital quality and stability, (2) integrity and/or fidelity were core marital values and virtues, and (3) religion taught, developed, and motivated marital integrity and fidelity. Three subthemes were identified under this final theme: (3a) religious lifestyle, (3b) religious beliefs, and (3c) commitment to God. Contradictory voices that expressed and described challenges to marital integrity and fidelity are presented.

Conclusion

Couples discussed how their faiths' teachings on integrity and/or fidelity strengthened marital quality and stability, added to their core marital values and virtues, and motivated marital integrity and/or fidelity through a religious lifestyle, religious beliefs and morals, and commitment to God that built commitment and fidelity to spouse.

Implications

Therapists and educators who recognize that these deeply held values contribute to couples' stability and satisfaction within their relationship may be able to ask, understand, and harness religious strengths to facilitate commonalities and satisfaction.