Date

2-29-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Bridgette M Hester

Keywords

premarital counseling, couples, nontraditional couples

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of married couples from various demographic backgrounds who have engaged in premarital counseling in Maryland. How do couples experience premarital counseling is the study’s central research question. The theory guiding this study is Gottman’s (1993) cascade model of marital dissolution. This model offers a theoretical framework for understanding how minor issues in marriage can exacerbate and foster the entire marital experience. The study is quantitative research using an interpretive phenomenological design to recruit the participants for the study. The study conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with couples to collect data regarding lived experience. A thematic analysis technique was used to analyze the data by identifying common meanings and essences through textual and structural analysis of what was expressed by the participants. The study found that couples engage in counseling mandatorily or voluntarily due to religious needs, yearning to learn skills for a successful marriage, and managing relationship challenges affected by past experiences and communication. Besides, the study determines that counselors' knowledge is crucial in creating a warm environment. In conclusion, counseling is an important platform for couples to learn new skills, manage relationship issues, and prepare for marriage, underscoring the role of counselors' supportive environments and expertise in this process.

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