Abstract
M.A.
The divorce rate in South Africa has reached alarming
proportions. In 1994 alone, 29 878 divorces were reported in
South Africa, and a total of 38 367 children were traumatised by
these divorces. Despite this, most people still marry, or want
to marry.
Marriage is one of the most important and meaningful
relationships we can have as human beings. It enriches our lives
and provides fulfillment and companionship. Many couples
entering into the marital relationship are not aware of the
demands of marriage, and especially of the demands of modern
marriages where marital roles are new and different.
Marriage enrichment is a movement to help couples.to respond to
these demands. Enrichment programs teach partners interpersonal
skills and build empathetic respect between individuals within
the marital relationship. Although there are many marriage
enrichment programs currently in use, there seems to be not one
in South Africa that is based on the concepts of personality type
differences.
The aim of this study was to develop a marriage enrichment
program based on the concepts of personality type, as indicated
by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The focus was to
educate couples in personality type differences, thereby creating
self-awareness and awareness of others, and enabling them to
better understand themselves and their spouses.
The program was designed and developed and then trial-tested on
two groups of volunteers consisting of two couples in each group.
Feedback received yielded positive results, and the participants
found the program to be useful and valuable in their own
relationships.