Lecture room: Lögberg – 205. Click for a map.
Working institution
Student workshop speaker: Ásta Arnbjörg Pétursdóttir, The health Care Institution of North Iceland/ The family councelling/therapy department
Mentor: Freydís Jóna Freysteinsdóttir, Unversity of Iceland
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to increase people’s knowledge in long-lived and successful marriages. Firstly the study looked at what people considered as the key to a long-lived and successful marriage, secondly it focused on what people thought characterized these marriages and thirdly whether there were differences in values between age groups. The study was conducted around six focus group interviews with 31 individuals in three different age groups, 30-36 years old, 50-60 years old and people over seventy. The results indicate that the key to a long-lived and successful marriage is a) realistic expectations towards a spouse and the marriage, b) considerable perseverance and c) that deep friendship and intimacy is the foundation necessary to base the relationship on. Furthermore the results indicate that the values are the same, no matter which age group although apparently the younger people emphasize them less than the older ones. The results give clues as to which factors are important in predicting what makes a long-lived and successful marriage. This study thereby creates knowledge which can be used in order to support couples who seek assistance and want to strengthen their relationship.