American Muslim Marital Quality: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an exploratory investigation into American Muslims' marital quality. Respondents were 296 young, well-educated, long-term North American residents, most of whom lived near a major metropolitan hub. They reported generally healthy and satisfying marriages, though women reported lower marital quality than men. Marital problems most commonly included issues with in-laws, family or friends, finances, differing interests, and conflicting attitudes concerning sex. Women were more likely than men to identify in-laws as a source of conflict in the marriage; further research should investigate the nature of this conflict. This information may aid in the development of therapeutic interventions for distressed American Muslim couples that account for unique stressors

Perceptions and Experiences of Marriage Preparation Among U.S. Muslims: Multiple Voices from the Community

“…Two studies identified a 32.33% (Ba‐Yunus, ) and 21.3% (Alshugairi, ) divorce rate, but studies utilizing larger and more representative samples are needed. Research by Chapman and Cattaneo () found that 56.1% of Muslim couples reported at least one moderate or major issue in their relationship related to in‐laws, family or friends, different interests, attitudes toward sex, and finances. In another study, Macfarlane () found that changing gender‐role dynamics and mismatched expectations about family life were the most frequently reported contributors of marital conflict, along with relations with in‐laws, taking on of a second wife or infidelity, differences in religious practice, and domestic abuse.…”

20201218

“…Gibbons and Hamby (1997) cautioned researchers about using instruments that are developed in western cultures, how they may not apply to nonwestern samples, and suggested adopting reliable instruments when conducting research about Muslims (Chapman & Cattaneo, 2013). Some studies tried to validate scales or questionnaires that can be used with western Muslim populations.…”

“…While there is not enough research to examine these trends, it is very apparent that Muslims value marriage and are concerned about high divorce rates. Muslim religious leaders and mental health professionals are also reporting unease with marital conflicts and dissolutions in their communities (Nadir, 1998;Siddiqui, 2009;Chapman & Cattaneo, 2013). This article examines and summarizes major research articles about Muslim marriages in the West during the past ten years (2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015) and provides recommendations for important research topics to be explored for the next ten years.…”

“…Some studies explored different dimensions of marital satisfaction and marital quality among Muslims in the western world. Chapman and Cattaneo (2013) investigated marital quality of Muslim Americans and reported mainly healthy and satisfying marriages for Muslims who participated in their study. Marital problems included issues with in-laws, family or friends, finances, and differing interests and conflicting attitudes concerning sex.…”