Date
5-2011
Department
Communication Studies
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Chair
William Mullen
Primary Subject Area
Mass Communications; Sociology, Individual and Family Studies; Religion, Clergy
Keywords
Biblical Values, Conflict, Dialectical Tensions, Marital Conflict, Marital Partners, Relational Dialectics Theory
Recommended Citation
Borland, Kimberly Dawn, "Polar Opposites: A Look at the Role of Biblical Values in Managing Dialectical Tensions in Marriage" (2011). Masters Theses. 196.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/196
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to determine what role biblical values play in the management of dialectical tensions and the resolution of conflict in Christian marriages. Specifically, the research questions guiding this study were what, if any, dialectical tensions exist in Christian marriages, do dialectical tensions lead to conflict in marriage, how are dialectical tensions and conflict managed in marriage, and what role do biblical values play in the management of dialectical tensions in Christian marriages? Transcripts from interviews of ten Christian married couples were analyzed using a Relational Dialectics lens. Results of analysis revealed that all six dialectical tensions exist in Christian marriages and that all six dialectical tensions cause conflict in Christian marriages. The dialectical tensions were manifested in unique ways and were managed using a variety of strategies, some of which were based on biblical values and were unique to Christian marriages.
