Abstract
Francisco- La Grange, F.H., Prof.
Despite the high divorce rate in South Africa marriage is still
a sought after social institution and many potential couples
have high expectations upon entering marriage. The continuation
of marriage rather than its breakdown awakes the special interest
of the candidate.
She reasons that marital satisfaction is a significant
determinant in the continuation of a marriage and she is keen to
identify some indicators of marital satisfaction. She furthermore
envisages strategies in social work intervention by means of
which the public could be sensitized to marital satisfaction. Methodology
In this essay research is in essence explorative, particularly
in the sense that it is an attempt to initiate a new conseptualization
of a phenomenon.
The following methodology was used:
A literature study exploring the nature of the marriage
relationship; characteristics which indicate marital satisfaction
and the philosophy and methodology of research.
Consultation with specialists in the field of marital
relationships and marriage counselling.
The research enabled the candidate to identify the
following indicators:
Constructive communication between the spouses.
Skilled handling of conflict.
Characteristics of the spouses.
A relatively compatible value system.
Sexual fulfilment.
Socio-economic security.
Premarital factors.
The influence of children.