Covenantal and contractual values in marriage: Marital Values Orientation toward Wedlock or Self-actualization (Marital VOWS) Scale

Abstract

Cultural constructions of marriage have developed to form 2 marital values orientations. These marital values can be understood along a continuum from covenantal at 1 pole to contractual at the other pole. Covenantal marital values prioritize individual sacrifice for the marriage to promote marital health, commitment, and vow taking to resolve conflict, the collective dyad as the primary unit of the marriage, and often spiritual intervention as a primary means of restoring order. Contractual marital values prioritize individual self‐actualization to promote marital health, negotiation, and mutual agreement to resolve conflict, the individual as the primary unit of the marriage, and clinical and psychological interventions as a primary means of restoring order. The authors developed a 26‐item scale to measure contractual and covenantal marital values. In 3 studies examining a total of 786 student and community participants, the factor structure of the scale was evaluated, and convergent and discriminant construct validity, item internal consistency, and 4‐week test–retest reliability were examined.

Relationship Factors and Quality Among Mixed-Orientation Couples

“…Stated differently, contractual unions represent an individualistic perspective, where the well-being and satisfaction of the individual is the first priority. Of note is that this study found that those spouses who were higher in covenantal values were also higher in their levels of relationship commitment, willingness to sacrifice, and positive relationship adjustment (Ripley et al, 2005). On the other hand, covenantal unions represent a more collectivistic perspective, where partners' individual interests are secondary to the interests of the relationship as a whole.…”

“…He described a contractual social relationship as having the following characteristics: (a) the individual is the primary unit and focus of the relationship, (b) self-actualization of the individual is the goal of the relationship and the way in which relationships improve, (c) compromise and mutual agreement are emphasized, and (d) resources such as therapy are frequently used to restore the relationship when there are difficulties (Ripley, Worthington, Bromley, & Kemper, 2005). In contrast, he described a covenantal relationship as having the following characteristics: (a) the relationship union itself is seen as the priority, (b) individual sacrifice for the greater good of the relationship or family is expected, (c) mutual commitment and vow taking are of key importance, and (d) spiritual resources are often used to overcome difficulties (Bromley, 1997;cf.…”

“…Ripley et. In these relationships, individuals are willing to sacrifice their own personal needs, expectations, and desires for the sake of the relationship (Bromley, 1997;Ripley et al, 2005). Stated differently, contractual unions represent an individualistic perspective, where the well-being and satisfaction of the individual is the first priority.…”

Factors Preventing Gridlock in Chilean Couples’ Relationships Based on the Discourse of Couples Therapists and Highly Adjusted Couples

“…These couples focused on the need to develop intimacy (knowing each other more, recognising the other's feelings), supporting evidence for the evolving position of couples from the focus on a common project to a basis in the development of emotional and sexual intimacy (Bromley, 1997;Kim et al, 1994;Ripley et al, 2005;Schnarch, 2009;Triandis, 1995). In this context emotional differentiation is a psychological tool that becomes a relevant focus of therapeutic interventions.…”

S=HE ¿Igualdad de Oportunidades? Desarrollo Profesional de Hombres y Mujeres en España

“…Basado en Ripley et al 18 , el modelo S=HE estudia cómo las creencias referentes a la vida en pareja/matrimonio funcionan como un continuo entre los que lo perciben como un contrato frente a los que lo perciben como una alianza:…”