Date
1-16-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Marcus Tanner
Keywords
Marital satisfaction, Marital Longevity, Pentecostalism, Religious beliefs
Disciplines
Counseling
Recommended Citation
Burgess, Rebecca, "Pentecostal Christian’s Influence On Marital Satisfaction And Longevity" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6444.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6444
Abstract
This research study aimed to explore the influence of Pentecostalism on marital satisfaction and longevity within the context of individuals who identify as Pentecostal Christians. By employing PENTECOSTALISM AND MARITAL SATISFACTION 3 phenomenology, the study sought to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, perspectives, and beliefs of participants regarding the impact of Pentecostalism on their marriages. The research involves in-depth interviews with married individuals adhering to Pentecostal beliefs, examining their experiences and interpretations of how Pentecostal teachings and practices influence their marital satisfaction and relationship longevity. This study included a sample size of 10 participants, consisting of 5 married couples who had been married for 25 years or more. Specifically, one couple had been married for 26 years, another for 27 years, another for 29 years, one for 34 years, and the last for 38 years. All participants were of Indo-Guyanese ethnicity. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis, uncovering the underlying themes and patterns that emerge from participants' narratives. The findings contributed to the existing literature on marital satisfaction and longevity by shedding light on the unique dynamics within Pentecostal marriages and the role of Pentecostal beliefs in shaping these outcomes. The unique dynamics addressed include Family Influences, Biblical Principles, Marital Commitment, Spousal Oneness, Love and Respect, and Holy Spirit Guidance. The study has implications for pastoral counselors, providing insights that can inform interventions to promote healthy and fulfilling marriages within the Pentecostal community. Ultimately, this research sought to enhance understanding and contribute to the body of knowledge on the influence of Pentecostalism on marital satisfaction and longevity. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe married, Pentecostal adults’ experiences with marital longevity. The theory that guided this study was phenomenology by Edmund Husserl, as it focused on the lived experiences of Pentecostal married couples and marital satisfaction and longevity. This study collected data through interviews with married couples and analyzed it using NVivo. NVivo is a qualitative data analysis software that provides tools for organizing, coding, and analyzing qualitative data.
