Religiosity and relationship quality in dating relationships.

Abstract

Associations between higher religiosity and positive marital outcomes are well documented (e.g., Mahoney et al., 1999;Olson et al., 2015), but less attention has been paid to religiosity in unmarried relationships. This study examines associations between religiosity and relationship quality in a sample of individuals in early adulthood (N = 354) who were in serious but unmarried different-sex relationships (mean duration of 4 years). Individuals rated their own religiosity (overall religiousness and attendance) as well as religiosity in their relationship with their partner (dyadic attendance and perception of religious differences with partner). Relationship quality was assessed on three variables: relationship satisfaction, commitment, and negative interaction using three-stage, hierarchical linear regressions. Control variables (age, income, education, relationship duration) were entered in Block 1, individuals' ratings of their own religiosity were entered in Block 2, and then individuals' ratings of dyadic religiosity were entered in Block 3. Results indicated that individual religiosity was only associated with commitment, while dyadic religiosity was associated with all three measures of relationship quality. Greater dyadic attendance and lower religious differences were associated with greater commitment above and beyond both individual religious variables and standard control variables. Having greater religious differences was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and increased negative interaction. Hence, dyadic aspects of religiosity were associated with relationship quality even after controlling for individuals' levels of religiosity. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.

Prayer for a Partner and Relationship Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Relationship Form (Marital vs. Nonmarital Relationship)

“…Next, in the current study, relationship quality was assessed in three domains, namely, perceived support, relationship conflict, and relationship depth. Prior studies have demonstrated that, in general, religiosity plays a crucial role in relationship maintenance for marriages (Langlais and Schwanz 2017) and for nonmarital and dating relationships (Aragoni et al 2021;Henderson et al 2018;Langlais and Schwanz 2017). Moreover, prayer for a partner has been recognized in past research as contributing to the improvement of relationship quality (e.g., Beach et al 2011;May et al 2020).…”

“…The review of the literature pertaining to praying for a partner and relationship outcomes reveals two key notions. First, the majority of the prior research on religion and praying in the context of relationships has largely focused on marital unions (Aragoni et al 2021;Henderson et al 2018;Langlais and Schwanz 2017). This focus is understandable, taking into account that religious involvement enhances the chances of marrying and religious attendance, and the salience of religion in daily life is considered a key factor in making decisions regarding starting cohabitation before or within marriage (Mahoney 2010).…”

“…This focus is understandable, taking into account that religious involvement enhances the chances of marrying and religious attendance, and the salience of religion in daily life is considered a key factor in making decisions regarding starting cohabitation before or within marriage (Mahoney 2010). At the same time, over a few years, unmarried couples have become a group of particular interest among researchers who are investigating religiosity and relationship outcomes (Aragoni et al 2021). For instance, Langlais and Schwanz (2017) showed that relationship religiosity mediated the association between individual and partner religiosity and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships.…”

The Effects of Cross-Cultural Relationships on Society

“…Once they come to an understanding of religion, they can make their choice of which religion to practice or none of them at all. Couples who practiced the same religion reported to have higher levels of commitments and loyalty (Aragoni et al, 2021). Religious practices shapes individual's morals and values, and loyalty and commitment are an important part of many religions.…”

“…There are negative social consequences associated with these actions. Aragoni et al, (2021) stats in their research that there is a positive correlation to religiosity and positive martial outcomes. In their research, the couples reported having the same religious backgrounds.…”