Bireligiosity in Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Decision-Making and Navigating Differences
| dc.contributor.author | Greenberg, Rachel L. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-04-17T19:24:54Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-04-17T19:24:54Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2014 | |
| dc.description | ``````````` | |
| dc.description.abstract | Bi-religiosity is an increasingly common characteristic of romantic partnerships. The decision about how to incorporate bi-religiosity into childrearing is an area that requires more attention. The purpose of this study was to explore the very process of decision-making in bi-religious couples and how differences are negotiated. A qualitative approach was adopted using conventional content analysis of semi-structured interviews with 12 individuals composing six bi-religious couples. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis that included: (i) factors influencing the process, (ii) reactions of family and friends to their bi-religiosity, (iii) childrearing, and (iv) solutions. The first theme had three considerations: (I) similarities in their religions, (ii) differences in their religions, and (iii) couples' perceptions of other factors in their relationship that are more important than religion. The second theme had three considerations: (i) the wedding, (ii) dealing with the holidays, and (iii) other familial gatherings and impressions. The third theme had three considerations: (i) learning about the partner's religion, (ii) exposing a child to both/many religions, and (iii) religious allegiance following childbirth. Finally, the fourth theme had three considerations: (i) learning and conversing about religious differences, (ii) compromise/ongoing conversation, and (iii) sharing responsibilities and religions. These themes revealed that, ultimately, the bi-religious couples connected to their shared values, which initially brought them together and continued to sustain their relationship despite their religious differences. This is helpful for psychologists who work with bi-religious couples in that helping couples reconnect to their values beyond religious dogma will likely be a vital component of the therapy. This will also be helpful to soon-to-be-married couples who are experiencing anxiety regarding the bi-religious issue, as therapy can help provide them with evidence-based psychoeducation on bi-religiosity as well as provide them with skills for negotiating conflict and reconnecting to their values. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3242 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher.institution | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| dc.subject | "Interfaith","Childrearing","Decision-Making","Couples Therapy","Parenting","Religion","Bi-religiosity" | |
| dc.title | Bireligiosity in Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Decision-Making and Navigating Differences | |
| dc.type | Dissertation | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Psychology | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| thesis.degree.level | Doctoral | |
| thesis.degree.name | Doctor of Psychology |