Strong Marriages in the African American Community: How Religion Contributes to a Healthier Marriage
Date of Award:
5-2014
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Human Development and Family Studies
Department name when degree awarded
Family, Consumer, and Human Development
Committee Chair(s)
Linda Skogrand
Committee
Linda Skogrand
Committee
Kay Bradford
Committee
Tom Lee
Abstract
This study examined how religion contributes to or strengthens strong African American marriages. In order to understand how religion contributed to their marriages, five couples who talked extensively about religion in their marriage were selected out of the total sample of 39 couples and were presented as case studies. Six themes surfaced across all five case studies in answer to the research question: couples consistently practiced their religion, religion was the foundation of the marriage, religion strengthened personal growth, couples had exemplars for a strong marriage, couples turned to religion during difficult times, and religion transcends race. These findings indicate that these couples practiced their religion in all aspects of their lives. The study provides an explanation of why a paradox may exist within the African American community in terms of religion and divorce.
Checksum
79035a53c30bd8f2e9de21c69eb81b80
Recommended Citation
Shirisia, Lucy K., "Strong Marriages in the African American Community: How Religion Contributes to a Healthier Marriage" (2014). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 2121.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/2121
Included in
Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .