Relationship sustainability: Exploring the idea of sustainable marriages among Indian married couples

Abstract

The present study adopted the concept of sustainability to understand Indian marriages and proposed a new concept of relationship sustainability. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed‐method design, Study 1 involved 30 interviews with long‐term married couples (Mage = 44.70; Mmarriage years = 19.48) to understand their marital experiences. Thematic analysis identified three major factors that lead to sustainability in marital relationships: couple bonding (a close connection that binds two partners together), personal well‐being (partner's contributions toward one's well‐being), and partner's well‐being (one's contribution to the partner's well‐being). Findings from Study 1 were used to develop a relationship sustainability scale, which was then used in Study 2, a survey study. A survey was conducted on 415 long‐term married individuals (Male: 221, Female: 194; Mage = 43.55; Mmarriage years = 17.74) that included information about relationship commitment, satisfaction, and happiness, along with other variables. Data from 415 long‐term married individuals were collected. The results confirmed the applicability of the concept of relationship sustainability and also showed that relationship sustainability predicted marital outcomes, such as happiness and satisfaction. Overall, the results showed that to achieve marital well‐being, one needs to move toward a sustainable model of relationship where partners both together strive for long‐term relationship and personal goals.