INDEX
Communication Studies—a new adventure
A brief explanation of why Comms Studies
It’s a Wonderful Fantasy
Why do you really watch the programming that you do?
Media: foe or friend
Your character—which “needs” direct what media product you use?
Steps to Marital Success—do you need help?
A theory—a study—success
Examples of 2007 writing experiences
A brief explanation of why Comms Studies
It’s a Wonderful Fantasy
Why do you really watch the programming that you do?
Media: foe or friend
Your character—which “needs” direct what media product you use?
Steps to Marital Success—do you need help?
A theory—a study—success
Examples of 2007 writing experiences
Communication Studies—a new adventure
“…often you communicate louder without saying a word.”
In the 80’s, my emphasis in the medical field soon came to an end as my inability to earn grades above a C persisted. Discouraged but then encouraged by an English professor, I ventured into the world of communication. Knowing that 101 classes can be challenging, I anticipated a similar difficult experience as my science courses. When Professor Ken Cook stated the above mentioned phrase, I was hooked.
One simple phrase, made me consider strengths in my life that I never acknowledged. It amazed me how one statement could make me think and consider new options. How one thought could make me self-conscious of how I sat, stood or looked when not audibly talking. Another class that focused on “joy” provided my first opportunity to participate in a study.
The project requirements were to sit on a bench somewhere on campus, make eye-contact with someone, not say a word, smile sincerely and report on the results. Although not scientific, the study did prove Prof. Cook’s point that the results of silent communication can speak louder than words. Eva Alerby, Swedish educator, teaches the importance of silence in personal, social and educational settings, “Silence can be desirable and enjoyable, aggravating and embarrassing—for everyone involved. Silence is to be regarded as an important, an essential and unavoidable part of human life” (Alerby 2003).
In life, words flow from everyone’s mouth, often with little hesitation to allow someone else to speak. Yet, it is through silence we can reflect upon our own life or work out problems in our mind before presenting them on paper or audibly. Even more powerfully, listening actively can through silence allow us to learn about someone else and possibly strengthen or further a relationship. A review of the incredible use of silence and non-verbal communication used in the movie “Chocolat” is studied by researcher, Alessandra Pigni, “I looked at the unfolding of this informal helping process, reflected on the non-verbal communication, the body language and the wise use of silence” (Pigni 2006). The wise use of silence and the active results of verbal communication is part of the many studies done in the realm of Comms Studies. If silence communicates so much, how amazing communication and its many facets must be.
Since that first class in communications, I have had three careers each benefiting from the foundation begun in the field of communication. Returning to finish my degree, I have selected Communications Studies in an effort to try a new avenue and hopefully begin a new career.
Initially, I realized I know little about the subject nor what career possibilities there may be. After reading chapters 1 and 2, some questions were answered but I found myself overwhelmed with the amount of theories and information. Regardless, I am intrigued with the study of communication.
“Two people can look at the same picture and make two totally different observations.” It is statements like this that make me want to swallow my fears and take a leap into the field of communication studies. In the manual, Communication Theories, a beginning statement inadvertently explains the course of study, “…Are we really alike or are we different….“ A simple phrase that opens the door into this journey in communication studies—no more wondering, it is time to learn.
Works Cited
Allerby, Eva. "The Sounds of Silence: some remarks on the value of silence in the process of reflection in relation to teaching and learning." Reflection Practice, Vol 4, No 1 (2003).
Pigni, Alessandra. "Symbolic communication and silence in an informal interpersonal helping process." Psychodynamic Practice, 12(4): (November 2006): 453-461.
Media: foe or friend
Media: foe or friend
In 347 B.C.E., Plato, philosopher, and media of his time, was condemned to death “for corrupting the youth.” While awaiting his demise he exclaimed to his accusers, “[you] are like a great and noble steed, but a sluggish one by reason of bulk and in need of being roused by a gadfly. I am the gadfly … all day and in all places I light on you, rousing you and persuading you and reproaching each one of you” (Reich, Cunningham 2006). Providers of current day media feel they are also like the needed gadfly. Media, the providers insist, is an important benefit in the lives of audiences around the world, challenging, entertaining, teaching, and providing information of worth. However, media researchers since the early 1900’s, have worried about media’s control, questioned the benefits of media and researched the potential harm of media.
Early studies focused on media as a powerful impacting force on audiences. For almost four decades, researchers felt that media had the power to corrupt children and control the public. Paul Lazarsfeld studies (1940’s) changed these opinions and moved research one step closer to discovering media’s true impact. Lazarfeld’s findings of limited effects is still utilized today according to researcher, Elihu Katz, “Those who have continued in the study of persuasion have…reiterated the Lazarfeld’s finds of limited effects, while contributing to the further specifications of the conditions under which the media may indeed affect change in people” (Katz 2006). Years later, studies suggested that media may be limited yet still powerful in many different areas. New research explores media’s impact not on audiences in mass but instead focuses on the individual.
With focus on the individual, many studies of media effect search specifically for who it is that is vulnerable and why. As more questions are asked and fewer answers proven, studies change, acknowledging that each individual can be impacted differently. These differences are now often addressed through the use of H.J. Eysenck’s “Big Three model’ (1985) or Saucier and Goldberg’s “Five-factor model” (1996).
Both models assist researchers in determining what characteristics or personality traits are more likely to respond to different types of media. University of Missouri at St Louis professor, Alice Hall, explains, “One of the reasons for pursuing this line of research is that the type of media materials individuals select is likely to shape the influence that media may have on their attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. Investigating the factors associated with exposure to certain types of media texts contributes to understanding the roles media play in society” (Hall 2005). Hall, utilizing the Big Three model, states that personality type “may affect individual’s media use pattern.”
One factor shared by both models is Extraversion. Sociability, excitement seeker, positive emotions are some traits that help define the Extraversion factor. One aspect of research looks at whether a person is on the high end (extrovert) or low end (introvert). A study done on personality and cyberspace discovered that adult Web-users scored low on Extraversion and higher on Openness to Experience (Marcus 2006) in comparison to non-web users. While a study in Maryland concluded that both men and women who responded to violent images in sports advertising, scored high on the Extraversion factor (sensation-seeking) (McDaniel 2006).
A media consumer who scores low on the Extraversion scale might be considered an introvert but this is not a negative term. This individual would enjoy watching movies and reading as opposed to the high-end extrovert that needs more social based activities, such as going to the movies with friends. With the addition of TiVo to the media products, both ends of the Extraversion scale win (Miller 2007). High-end now can record more of the sports and violent or sensation-seeking programs while the low-end individuals select programming that allows them to unwind or relax. The TiVo also allows individuals to be selective and watch television only at their convenience and not be controlled by programming times.
Being controlled by television is still a huge concern and issue. But again, researchers question if people are being controlled or if people control television, “…several scholars have suggested that we are motivated to watch television for reasons of parasocial interaction or escapism. These scholars focused on enjoyment of the medium or on television infinity and not on the enjoyment of medium on media content” (Krcmar 2005). The low-end Extraversion individual may sit down and watch several hours of Tivo’d Oprah programs. The goal is not to escape social interaction but to quickly see what issues have been discussed, enjoy a few moments of humor, and delete anything they are not interested in. Again, this assumption encourages research to understand why audiences view what they view, examining these results using personality variables against media content.
Media effect upon the public has existed for hundreds of years. How and why it impacts audiences is the basis of studies done in anything from impact on health to negative impact on society of violence. In Plato’s analogy of the gadfly, we discover that the gadfly is actually media research. As media sources increase and develop, research monitors, questions and studies the effects of media on its audience. A New Scientist editorial best states this concept, “The issue is no longer whether there is an effect, but what it means to each one of us, and how much we care” (New Scientist 2006).
Works Cited
Cunningham, Lawrence S. and John J. Reich. Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities. Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth, 2006.
Hall, Alice. "Audience personality and the selection of media and media genres." Media Psychology (Dec. 2005: 7.4): 377-398.
Hamilton, Emily A., Laurie Mintz, and susan Kashubeck-West. "Predictors of media effects on body dissatisfaction in european American women." Sex Roles (Mar. 2007: 56.5): 397-402.
Katz, Elihu. "Lazarsfeld's Map of Media Effects." International Journal of Public Opinion Research (Vol. 13:3 2001): 270-279.
Marcus, Bernd, Franz Machilek, and Astrid Schutz. "Personality in Cyberspace: Personal Web Sites as Media for Personality Expressions and Impressions." Journal of Personality and social Psychology (June 2006: 90.6): 1014-1031.
Miller, Steve. "Start the TIVO-lution Without Me." Brandweek (48.34 Sep. 2007): 20-24.
In 347 B.C.E., Plato, philosopher, and media of his time, was condemned to death “for corrupting the youth.” While awaiting his demise he exclaimed to his accusers, “[you] are like a great and noble steed, but a sluggish one by reason of bulk and in need of being roused by a gadfly. I am the gadfly … all day and in all places I light on you, rousing you and persuading you and reproaching each one of you” (Reich, Cunningham 2006). Providers of current day media feel they are also like the needed gadfly. Media, the providers insist, is an important benefit in the lives of audiences around the world, challenging, entertaining, teaching, and providing information of worth. However, media researchers since the early 1900’s, have worried about media’s control, questioned the benefits of media and researched the potential harm of media.
Early studies focused on media as a powerful impacting force on audiences. For almost four decades, researchers felt that media had the power to corrupt children and control the public. Paul Lazarsfeld studies (1940’s) changed these opinions and moved research one step closer to discovering media’s true impact. Lazarfeld’s findings of limited effects is still utilized today according to researcher, Elihu Katz, “Those who have continued in the study of persuasion have…reiterated the Lazarfeld’s finds of limited effects, while contributing to the further specifications of the conditions under which the media may indeed affect change in people” (Katz 2006). Years later, studies suggested that media may be limited yet still powerful in many different areas. New research explores media’s impact not on audiences in mass but instead focuses on the individual.
With focus on the individual, many studies of media effect search specifically for who it is that is vulnerable and why. As more questions are asked and fewer answers proven, studies change, acknowledging that each individual can be impacted differently. These differences are now often addressed through the use of H.J. Eysenck’s “Big Three model’ (1985) or Saucier and Goldberg’s “Five-factor model” (1996).
Both models assist researchers in determining what characteristics or personality traits are more likely to respond to different types of media. University of Missouri at St Louis professor, Alice Hall, explains, “One of the reasons for pursuing this line of research is that the type of media materials individuals select is likely to shape the influence that media may have on their attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. Investigating the factors associated with exposure to certain types of media texts contributes to understanding the roles media play in society” (Hall 2005). Hall, utilizing the Big Three model, states that personality type “may affect individual’s media use pattern.”
One factor shared by both models is Extraversion. Sociability, excitement seeker, positive emotions are some traits that help define the Extraversion factor. One aspect of research looks at whether a person is on the high end (extrovert) or low end (introvert). A study done on personality and cyberspace discovered that adult Web-users scored low on Extraversion and higher on Openness to Experience (Marcus 2006) in comparison to non-web users. While a study in Maryland concluded that both men and women who responded to violent images in sports advertising, scored high on the Extraversion factor (sensation-seeking) (McDaniel 2006).
A media consumer who scores low on the Extraversion scale might be considered an introvert but this is not a negative term. This individual would enjoy watching movies and reading as opposed to the high-end extrovert that needs more social based activities, such as going to the movies with friends. With the addition of TiVo to the media products, both ends of the Extraversion scale win (Miller 2007). High-end now can record more of the sports and violent or sensation-seeking programs while the low-end individuals select programming that allows them to unwind or relax. The TiVo also allows individuals to be selective and watch television only at their convenience and not be controlled by programming times.
Being controlled by television is still a huge concern and issue. But again, researchers question if people are being controlled or if people control television, “…several scholars have suggested that we are motivated to watch television for reasons of parasocial interaction or escapism. These scholars focused on enjoyment of the medium or on television infinity and not on the enjoyment of medium on media content” (Krcmar 2005). The low-end Extraversion individual may sit down and watch several hours of Tivo’d Oprah programs. The goal is not to escape social interaction but to quickly see what issues have been discussed, enjoy a few moments of humor, and delete anything they are not interested in. Again, this assumption encourages research to understand why audiences view what they view, examining these results using personality variables against media content.
Media effect upon the public has existed for hundreds of years. How and why it impacts audiences is the basis of studies done in anything from impact on health to negative impact on society of violence. In Plato’s analogy of the gadfly, we discover that the gadfly is actually media research. As media sources increase and develop, research monitors, questions and studies the effects of media on its audience. A New Scientist editorial best states this concept, “The issue is no longer whether there is an effect, but what it means to each one of us, and how much we care” (New Scientist 2006).
Works Cited
Cunningham, Lawrence S. and John J. Reich. Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities. Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth, 2006.
Hall, Alice. "Audience personality and the selection of media and media genres." Media Psychology (Dec. 2005: 7.4): 377-398.
Hamilton, Emily A., Laurie Mintz, and susan Kashubeck-West. "Predictors of media effects on body dissatisfaction in european American women." Sex Roles (Mar. 2007: 56.5): 397-402.
Katz, Elihu. "Lazarsfeld's Map of Media Effects." International Journal of Public Opinion Research (Vol. 13:3 2001): 270-279.
Marcus, Bernd, Franz Machilek, and Astrid Schutz. "Personality in Cyberspace: Personal Web Sites as Media for Personality Expressions and Impressions." Journal of Personality and social Psychology (June 2006: 90.6): 1014-1031.
Miller, Steve. "Start the TIVO-lution Without Me." Brandweek (48.34 Sep. 2007): 20-24.
It's a Wonderful Fantasy
In 1947, Frank Capra released Philip Sterns story of man's triumph over adversity in the movie classic, It's A Wonderful Life. Since the release, critics have found reason to negatively critique this movie. In contrast, audiences continue to happily view George Bailey's self-struggles in small town America year after year. The consistent popularity of this holiday classic is a great example of Walter Fisher's theory of "symbolic interaction" or theory of Narrative Paradigm (Baldwin, Perry, Moffitt 2004).
Fisher’s narrative paradigm theory states that communication happens in a narrative or story format which includes a beginning, middle, end and characters (Baldwin, Perry, Moffitt 2004). George Bailey, the key character, begins the story, drawing the audience in immediately not just because of the story but because of James Stewart. Mr. Stewart, a newly returned veteran of World War II, is a consistent draw for producers because of his wholesome appearance. James Stewart as George is every man struggling to make a living, utilizing Fisher’s narrative fidelity, to express the “good reasons” to not despair. In fact based on the narrative fidelity the entire story reaches out to the audiences desire to embrace the values of small town America and become someone of worth to others.
Money and its worth is another aspect of this movie that pulls the audience in with the unkind character, Mr. Potter, the banker. The appeal of a villain in a movie or in a story provides the audience with a opportunity to watch someone else succeed against evil or bad. According to Wisebread.com, an FBI report generated in 1947 saw a dark side to the message of the movie, “It was felt that the casting of Lionel Barrymore as a “scrooge-type” resulted in the loathsome Mr. Potter becoming the most hated person in the film. According to the official FBI report, “this was a common trick used by the communists.” (www.Wisebread.com December 24, 2006). Fallows feels that this message is not necessarily communist propaganda but a way of showing how, “the unchecked rule of the business community leads to greed and oppression.” Having just finished the threat of World War II and facing the Cold War threat, Americans loved to boo Mr. Potter and escape their financial worries for a few hours.
Escape is an appeal also in the movie. The audiences need to escape from the difficulties of the 40’s and George’s desire to escape from Bedford. It is because of his need to escape that the main part of the story unfolds. He feels that it would be better to have never have been born than to live in Bedford. But by the end of the story, after following the visions of Clarence the angel, George finds that small town life is not so bad after all. Randall Fallows agrees,”Witnessing an ordinary person discover the extraordinary quality of his life just at the moment when he wishes he had never been born is indeed moving.” (Randall 2007) It is this quality that enthralls audiences and reflects another aspect of narrative paradigm—rationality.
Narrative rationality tests the worth of a story. Noting how America has continued to watch, review and even study this movie for sixty years, the values expressed in the movie appeal to our desires to do good. Does this story have all the elements of a narrative story? Yes definitely! We cannot foresee the conclusion, but the “happy” ending is another one of the appeals. This fulfilling ending of happiness is shared not only by George but by the whole town who comes to save him from himself To see George torn with anguish from the trials that he faces then realize his live has made such a huge difference in the community gives George ( and the audience) the hope that everyone wants to feel. Concluding with the entire town collectively thanking George and rescuing him from total disaster, the audience of 1947 could once again feel the joy of success they felt at the end of World War II.
“The spirit of It’s a Wonderful Life is akin to that expressed in the tumultuous VJ Day celebrations of the previous year…it was like America’s collective response… momentarily that of an undivided family” (Randall 1997).
An undivided family, learning you are of worth, succeeding against all odds are some of the messages possibly felt by audiences of It’s A Wonderful Life. The appeal to audiences using Fisher’s narrative paradigm is in itself a classic way of communicating and putting across the message that is intended by its creators.
Works Cited
Cunningham, Lawrence S. and John J. Reich, eds. A Survey of The Humanities.. USA:
Thomas Wadsworth, 2006. Vol. 1 of Cultures and Values. 2 vols.
Fallows, Randall. “George Bailey in the Vital Center: Postwar Liberal Politics and It’s A
Wonderful Life.” Journal of Popular Film & Television 25.2 (1997): 50-56
Yates,Michael D. Frank Capra: Spokesman for the John Does of America? Film &
History 25.1/2(1995):71-72.
http://www.wisebread.com/ viewed September 24, 2007. FBI Considered “It’s A
Wonderful Life” Communist Propaganda.
Fisher’s narrative paradigm theory states that communication happens in a narrative or story format which includes a beginning, middle, end and characters (Baldwin, Perry, Moffitt 2004). George Bailey, the key character, begins the story, drawing the audience in immediately not just because of the story but because of James Stewart. Mr. Stewart, a newly returned veteran of World War II, is a consistent draw for producers because of his wholesome appearance. James Stewart as George is every man struggling to make a living, utilizing Fisher’s narrative fidelity, to express the “good reasons” to not despair. In fact based on the narrative fidelity the entire story reaches out to the audiences desire to embrace the values of small town America and become someone of worth to others.
Money and its worth is another aspect of this movie that pulls the audience in with the unkind character, Mr. Potter, the banker. The appeal of a villain in a movie or in a story provides the audience with a opportunity to watch someone else succeed against evil or bad. According to Wisebread.com, an FBI report generated in 1947 saw a dark side to the message of the movie, “It was felt that the casting of Lionel Barrymore as a “scrooge-type” resulted in the loathsome Mr. Potter becoming the most hated person in the film. According to the official FBI report, “this was a common trick used by the communists.” (www.Wisebread.com December 24, 2006). Fallows feels that this message is not necessarily communist propaganda but a way of showing how, “the unchecked rule of the business community leads to greed and oppression.” Having just finished the threat of World War II and facing the Cold War threat, Americans loved to boo Mr. Potter and escape their financial worries for a few hours.
Escape is an appeal also in the movie. The audiences need to escape from the difficulties of the 40’s and George’s desire to escape from Bedford. It is because of his need to escape that the main part of the story unfolds. He feels that it would be better to have never have been born than to live in Bedford. But by the end of the story, after following the visions of Clarence the angel, George finds that small town life is not so bad after all. Randall Fallows agrees,”Witnessing an ordinary person discover the extraordinary quality of his life just at the moment when he wishes he had never been born is indeed moving.” (Randall 2007) It is this quality that enthralls audiences and reflects another aspect of narrative paradigm—rationality.
Narrative rationality tests the worth of a story. Noting how America has continued to watch, review and even study this movie for sixty years, the values expressed in the movie appeal to our desires to do good. Does this story have all the elements of a narrative story? Yes definitely! We cannot foresee the conclusion, but the “happy” ending is another one of the appeals. This fulfilling ending of happiness is shared not only by George but by the whole town who comes to save him from himself To see George torn with anguish from the trials that he faces then realize his live has made such a huge difference in the community gives George ( and the audience) the hope that everyone wants to feel. Concluding with the entire town collectively thanking George and rescuing him from total disaster, the audience of 1947 could once again feel the joy of success they felt at the end of World War II.
“The spirit of It’s a Wonderful Life is akin to that expressed in the tumultuous VJ Day celebrations of the previous year…it was like America’s collective response… momentarily that of an undivided family” (Randall 1997).
An undivided family, learning you are of worth, succeeding against all odds are some of the messages possibly felt by audiences of It’s A Wonderful Life. The appeal to audiences using Fisher’s narrative paradigm is in itself a classic way of communicating and putting across the message that is intended by its creators.
Works Cited
Cunningham, Lawrence S. and John J. Reich, eds. A Survey of The Humanities.. USA:
Thomas Wadsworth, 2006. Vol. 1 of Cultures and Values. 2 vols.
Fallows, Randall. “George Bailey in the Vital Center: Postwar Liberal Politics and It’s A
Wonderful Life.” Journal of Popular Film & Television 25.2 (1997): 50-56
Yates,Michael D. Frank Capra: Spokesman for the John Does of America? Film &
History 25.1/2(1995):71-72.
http://www.wisebread.com/ viewed September 24, 2007. FBI Considered “It’s A
Wonderful Life” Communist Propaganda.
Steps to Marital Success--do you need help?
Smiling, arms encircling each other's waist, Josh and Elena waved goodbye to their last guest and turned to go into the house. They were the couple everyone loved to spend time with. They gave the best parties, came up with the most creative night-outs and always seemed to be there for everyone else. From all appearances, they were the perfect couple. Closing the door, both smiles and arms dropped. Methodically, Elena began picking up dirty dishes and straightening the living room, while Josh settled in to watch the nightly news. For the past year, the "perfect couple" had struggled to discuss anything privately without arguing. Elena believed Josh always thought of himself first, from what activities they did, to how often they had sex. Josh felt that Elena seldom tried to see things from his perspective and often acted like a spoiled little girl. Josh and Elena, according to studies, may become one of the marriages that end in divorce.
As couples begin their new relationships, often wedding bliss becomes a marital nightmare as expectations fail to be reached. With the rate of marriages ending in divorce increasing each year (Baucom 2007), life-time marriages are becoming a thing of the past.
In the past, many couples stayed together regardless of what marital difficulties existed. At this period of time, "Family and marriage were often characterized by autocratic relationships: One is in charge and the rest follow" (Dinkmeyer 2007). The June Cleavers" of the 50's and early 60's began changing in the late 60's to women who wanted something different. This generation of women no longer wanted to follow but to get more out life (Atkins 2007). Marriages continued to evolve until today couples expect equality--both working to provide an income and sharing household chores. It would seem that in this day of "share and share alike," working out differences should be easier but instead it seems to be more challenging.
When faced with mounting marital problems, couples find themselves climbing researchers, Knapp and Vangelisti's, staircase of relational development at a quick pace. Once reaching the top, they may find themselves tumbling down to conflict and marital problems. Josh and Elena have continued on their downward tumble through circumscribing, stagnating and into avoidance. Once a couple lands one step away from terminating or divorce, finding a way to move back up the steps may be difficult. Without professional guidance, couples like Josh and Elena seldom find stable ground where they can begin to recreate a better relationship. Statistics reflect that couples seldom discover a way to begin positive interaction after many years of negative communication (Baucom 2007). One study stated that almost one in every two marriages take that final step of termination rather than working out their issues (Dinkmeyer 2007). If divorce is not the answer, do couples choose to continue to resolve marital problems on their own with no help? Are they willing to try various surveys, test or books hoping to learn ways of working out their differences or do they seek professional marital counseling before ending their one time blissful commitment?
The following investigation will provide possible answers that couples would give to these questions. Because of time limits of this study, focus will be on whether couples either want to try solving their own problems or seek professional marriage counseling when faced with constant conflictive issues. In preparation for this fact finding survey, several scientific research studies were examined.
Out of the ten studies examined, nine agreed that counseling is beneficial in assisting couples trying to create a successful marriage or relationship. Several studies felt teaching new skills to couples on how to approach problems differently would increase the probability of positive interactions (Dinkmeyer 2007) (Worthington 2005). Learning to discontinue "detrimental forms of communication" thus bringing about a change in behavior when faced with conflict, closely shadowed conclusions from various other studies (Sanford 2006) (Moyneham 2007). Unfulfilled expectations; misunderstandings of territorial boundaries; and focusing on the strengths of a marriage, were the areas of study that encouraged professional counseling as a way to climb back up the steps to a better relationship (Orathinkal 2006) (Juvva 2006)(Bray 2007).
Two studies seemed to be at odds with each other. Both studies, done in 2004, dealt with predicting marital quality after counseling. With first time marriages hitting an all time high of over 40-45% ending in divorce, Donald Baucom of the University of North Carolina, studied the long-term marital quality of couples following a "Relationship Education Program" (Baucom 2007). The education workshops encouraged individuals to learn how to change their communication when conversing with their spouses. In addition to verbal skills they were also taught how to improve on their non-verbal communication. Results showed that newly married women had less communication change. Those women that had been married for more than two years showed an enormous amount of change in their communication. The true test of the workshops would be seen over time in whether or not gaining these new skills would mean an increase in marital satisfaction. This study concluded that premarital education helped "couples maintain relationship satisfaction at up to 5 years following intervention" (Baucom 2007).
While Baucom and his group determined that marital education is a benefit, the Atkins group from California had a different conclusion. Fuller Graduate School of Psychology professor, David Atkins and his group concluded, "Because many couples fail to show improvement in marital therapy, improving our ability to predict who will and will not benefit...is critical." Atkins admits that the "most important finding" of their study is that "little predicts successful or unsuccessful outcomes." As is the case in many studies, the one thing that is evident is that no two couples or individuals are alike. The reasons why one couple struggles with communication conflicts and another couple does not can be based on too many factors to come up with one totally effective method of counseling. This may be the very reason so many couples hesitate seeking marital counsel---lack of faith that the expense will justify the outcome.
If couples choose not to seek professional counseling, how do they come up with solutions to solve problems on their own? Prior to doing any personal surveys or interviews, divorce statistics and conclusions from evaluated studies imply that results will be on the low side for successful relationships. Knowing what professionals have said, this study hopes to show that regardless of statistics, over 60% will prefer to solve their own marital problems without seeking help.
A survey listing possible marital problems and how each individual would hope to solve them, were handed out to 35 married individuals from Northern Utah County and areas of Salt Lake City; two surveys were discarded due to incomplete information. The surveys polled each person regarding arguments with finances, in-laws and house-cleaning and how they would deal with a year of serious communication problems. In addition, they were asked if they thought on-line marital surveys or tests could be beneficial in strengthening a marriage. Ten individuals were selected randomly on the BYU campus Monday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 28. On Monday, November 26 another 15 individuals were selected in Northern Lehi while 10 additional individuals riding the UTA express bus to Salt Lake City were selected on Tuesday, November 27. After handing out all 35 surveys, and discarding 2, the remaining completed surveys were divided into groups according to age. Once groups tallies were noted, surveys were recombined and divided according to answers given for questions one (a question with three categories about marital disagreements), four and five.
Chart 1 – Age and Gender of Individuals Surveyed
"not available"
Under the age category of 19-25, there were 8 females and 5 males. For the 26-30 age group, there was 1 female and 4 male. There were 3 female and 6 males ages 31-35 and no individuals ages 36-40. For the age categories 41-45 and 46-50 there was one female each with no males in either age group. In the age category of over 50 there were two female and two male. In total, there were 17 males and 16 females surveyed.
Question one was used as a base point to establish that the married individuals currently have arguments in their marriages. Question four, regarding how they would choose to handle a marriage in serious difficulty, explains if they would seek professional help or choose to solve the their own issues.
Figure 1 – Question 1 concerning arguments individuals have with their spouses "not available"
Seventeen individuals said that Finances had been argued about more than once while 7 participants said they never did. When arguing about in-laws nearly half, 15, argued more than once, again 7 said they never did. Of the 33 individuals surveyed only 14 argued more than once while this time 11 said they have never argued about House-cleaning.
Once participants were asked whether or not they have had arguments with their spouses, Question 2 asked a “what if” type of question. Individuals were asked if problems were to increase, escalating to conflict on a daily basis what would they do if this continued for more than one year. Their options were to continue doing nothing, seek counseling, try to resolve it on their own or separate. As figure 2 shows, 17 out of 33 said they would try to resolve it on their own. Of the remaining 16 participants, all answered they would seek counseling.
Figure 2 – Question 2
If you were having serious communication problems that lasted over a year would you….? "not available"
Those that chose “seek counseling” were also given the opportunity to choose “religious leader” or “professional marriage counselor or therapist.” Four chose seeking counsel from a professional marriage counselor while the remaining 12 all chose counsel with a religious leader. Of those 12, 11 chose they would seek professional counseling if counsel with their religious leader did not resolve their problems.
Participants were also asked if they decided to resolve their own problems would marriage surveys or tests help. Two felt it “definitely would not help at all,” while one chose that it “would definitely help.” The remaining 13 were almost even with 6 choosing surveys would “help a little” and 7 chosing surveys would “help with some problems.”
Figure 3 – for those that chose “solve problems on their own”—also decided if marriage surveys not given by a professional were of any worth "not available"
After tallying the results from all 33 surveys, four couples were also asked to take a popular on-line marital survey. Individual couple comments and results complete the final analysis of the research.
When asked if they would be willing to take a marital survey, three couples agreed, while one couple declined. Of the three couples who agreed to take the survey, all six individuals had chosen “try to resolve problems on their own” for dealing with problems” and thought surveys “might help a little.” The declining couple had stated they would seek marriage counseling with a professional therapist and were the two who felt surveys “definitely would not help.” The three remaining couples took the survey, approximately 30 minutes each person, and had varying results (Relate 2007 survey).
Couple 1, J & T, have been married for over 6 years and have a very conflictive, negative communication marriage. After taking the survey and reading the combined results, they felt the survey showed they had many problems but nothing they were not aware of. Even though they have many problem areas, J & T feel they have good communication. After taking the survey, they would not recommend it to friends and would not follow through by reading the suggested help material.
J & D, couple 2, have been married 5 years and have a none conflictive relationship. They feel their communication is very good. After taking the survey, they were surprised at the contention they felt. Especially because they seldom fight. J was surprised at some of D’s comments which brought about the conflict. Although they feel trying to read the help materials would be interesting and helpful, they doubted any time would be given to reading at this time. They also would not recommend this survey to friends.
The final couple, J & J, have been married only 9 months. This is a second marriage for the husband and a first marriage for the wife. This is the fourth survey they have taken since getting married. Both are aware of problems they both bring from previous negative relationships and would like to make their marriage work. They felt that this survey showed them some areas of concern they were not aware of previously. J & J hope to read at least one of the suggested books and felt this survey was worth the time and money. But even with the good comments they had to make, they also would
not recommend this survey to friends. Their reasoning was the cost, not because they do not think it is a good survey.
Based on the answers from the three couples, marital surveys not given by a professional have some plus' and negatives. If there had been a professional to explain the results and go over methods for improving communication problems, all couples agreed they would have felt the survey had been more beneficial. Couples results from this survey also helped to confirm that trying to solve long term marital problems is challenging and needs more than a couple's desire to change.
After completing the original survey and evaluating the results, the conclusion is as expected. First, the hypothesis was that over 60% would choose to solve their own marital problems. This was an over estimation as only 52% (a difference of four people) chose this solution. Second, the majority of those that selected "seek counseling" also chose to counsel with a religious leader not a professional marriage counselor. Obviously, a more scientific study of this subject would require more time, better detailed questions and a larger couple (not individual) study group to provide results that are more reflective of society. If statistics are correct and nearly 50% of every marriage ends in divorce, a different type of study evaluating how many couples sought counseling before divorce would be beneficial.
Regardless of why divorces have increased, getting information to couples on how to develop a more loving and positive relationship seems like the solution. But no one can force people to attend counseling sessions. A new method of counseling by DVD states, "Marital conflict and relationship problems are an everyday part of modern
marriage. Conflict in marriage is not necessarily a sign of a bad marriage" (Bray 2007). Finding out how not to react to conflictive issues or establishing positive communication can help couples climb the steps to a successful marriage.
Josh and Elena? They divorced over 25 years ago after attempting to resolve their marriage with counseling. Maybe with all of the studies and new methods being created, there is hope for future generations.
Works Cited
Atkins, David C, et al."Prediction of Response to Treatment in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Marital Therapy." Journal of Consulting and Clinical
Psychology, 0022006X, 20051001, Vol 73, Issue 5. 893-903.
Baucom, Donald H., et al. "Long-Term Prediction of Marital Quality Following a Relationship Education Program: Being Positive in a Constructive Way."
Journal of Family Psychology 20.3 (Sep 2006): 448-455.
Bray, James H. "Helping Couples Change." US: American Psychological Association, electronic collection of "Couples at an Impasse." Carlson 2006.
Dinkmeyer, Don Jr. "A systematic approach to marriage education." Journal of
Individual Psychology, Vol 63(3), Fall 2007. 315-321.
Juvva, Srilatha. "Epigentic model of marital expectations." Contemporary Family
Therapy: An International Journal, Vol 28(1), Mar 2006. 61-72.
Moynehan, Jack and Jerome Adams. "What's the Problem? A Look at Men in Marital Therapy." The American Journal of Family Therapy, 35:1, (2007). 41-51.
Orathinkal, Jose. "Couples' conflicts: A territorial perspective." Sexual and Relationship
Therapy, Vol 21(1), Feb 2006. 27-44.
Rogge, Ronald, et al. "Predicting Marital Distress and Dissolution: Refining the Two- Factor Hypothesis." Journal of Family Psychology, 08933200, 20060301, Vol 20, Issue 1.
Sanford, Keith. "Communication during Marital Conflict: When Couples Alter Their Appraisal, They Change Their Behavior." Journal of Family Psychology, 20.2(June 2006): 256-265.
Worthington, Everett L. Jr. "Repairing the Emotional Bond: Marriage Research from 1997 through Early 2005." Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol 24(3), Fall 2005. 259-262
As couples begin their new relationships, often wedding bliss becomes a marital nightmare as expectations fail to be reached. With the rate of marriages ending in divorce increasing each year (Baucom 2007), life-time marriages are becoming a thing of the past.
In the past, many couples stayed together regardless of what marital difficulties existed. At this period of time, "Family and marriage were often characterized by autocratic relationships: One is in charge and the rest follow" (Dinkmeyer 2007). The June Cleavers" of the 50's and early 60's began changing in the late 60's to women who wanted something different. This generation of women no longer wanted to follow but to get more out life (Atkins 2007). Marriages continued to evolve until today couples expect equality--both working to provide an income and sharing household chores. It would seem that in this day of "share and share alike," working out differences should be easier but instead it seems to be more challenging.
When faced with mounting marital problems, couples find themselves climbing researchers, Knapp and Vangelisti's, staircase of relational development at a quick pace. Once reaching the top, they may find themselves tumbling down to conflict and marital problems. Josh and Elena have continued on their downward tumble through circumscribing, stagnating and into avoidance. Once a couple lands one step away from terminating or divorce, finding a way to move back up the steps may be difficult. Without professional guidance, couples like Josh and Elena seldom find stable ground where they can begin to recreate a better relationship. Statistics reflect that couples seldom discover a way to begin positive interaction after many years of negative communication (Baucom 2007). One study stated that almost one in every two marriages take that final step of termination rather than working out their issues (Dinkmeyer 2007). If divorce is not the answer, do couples choose to continue to resolve marital problems on their own with no help? Are they willing to try various surveys, test or books hoping to learn ways of working out their differences or do they seek professional marital counseling before ending their one time blissful commitment?
The following investigation will provide possible answers that couples would give to these questions. Because of time limits of this study, focus will be on whether couples either want to try solving their own problems or seek professional marriage counseling when faced with constant conflictive issues. In preparation for this fact finding survey, several scientific research studies were examined.
Out of the ten studies examined, nine agreed that counseling is beneficial in assisting couples trying to create a successful marriage or relationship. Several studies felt teaching new skills to couples on how to approach problems differently would increase the probability of positive interactions (Dinkmeyer 2007) (Worthington 2005). Learning to discontinue "detrimental forms of communication" thus bringing about a change in behavior when faced with conflict, closely shadowed conclusions from various other studies (Sanford 2006) (Moyneham 2007). Unfulfilled expectations; misunderstandings of territorial boundaries; and focusing on the strengths of a marriage, were the areas of study that encouraged professional counseling as a way to climb back up the steps to a better relationship (Orathinkal 2006) (Juvva 2006)(Bray 2007).
Two studies seemed to be at odds with each other. Both studies, done in 2004, dealt with predicting marital quality after counseling. With first time marriages hitting an all time high of over 40-45% ending in divorce, Donald Baucom of the University of North Carolina, studied the long-term marital quality of couples following a "Relationship Education Program" (Baucom 2007). The education workshops encouraged individuals to learn how to change their communication when conversing with their spouses. In addition to verbal skills they were also taught how to improve on their non-verbal communication. Results showed that newly married women had less communication change. Those women that had been married for more than two years showed an enormous amount of change in their communication. The true test of the workshops would be seen over time in whether or not gaining these new skills would mean an increase in marital satisfaction. This study concluded that premarital education helped "couples maintain relationship satisfaction at up to 5 years following intervention" (Baucom 2007).
While Baucom and his group determined that marital education is a benefit, the Atkins group from California had a different conclusion. Fuller Graduate School of Psychology professor, David Atkins and his group concluded, "Because many couples fail to show improvement in marital therapy, improving our ability to predict who will and will not benefit...is critical." Atkins admits that the "most important finding" of their study is that "little predicts successful or unsuccessful outcomes." As is the case in many studies, the one thing that is evident is that no two couples or individuals are alike. The reasons why one couple struggles with communication conflicts and another couple does not can be based on too many factors to come up with one totally effective method of counseling. This may be the very reason so many couples hesitate seeking marital counsel---lack of faith that the expense will justify the outcome.
If couples choose not to seek professional counseling, how do they come up with solutions to solve problems on their own? Prior to doing any personal surveys or interviews, divorce statistics and conclusions from evaluated studies imply that results will be on the low side for successful relationships. Knowing what professionals have said, this study hopes to show that regardless of statistics, over 60% will prefer to solve their own marital problems without seeking help.
A survey listing possible marital problems and how each individual would hope to solve them, were handed out to 35 married individuals from Northern Utah County and areas of Salt Lake City; two surveys were discarded due to incomplete information. The surveys polled each person regarding arguments with finances, in-laws and house-cleaning and how they would deal with a year of serious communication problems. In addition, they were asked if they thought on-line marital surveys or tests could be beneficial in strengthening a marriage. Ten individuals were selected randomly on the BYU campus Monday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 28. On Monday, November 26 another 15 individuals were selected in Northern Lehi while 10 additional individuals riding the UTA express bus to Salt Lake City were selected on Tuesday, November 27. After handing out all 35 surveys, and discarding 2, the remaining completed surveys were divided into groups according to age. Once groups tallies were noted, surveys were recombined and divided according to answers given for questions one (a question with three categories about marital disagreements), four and five.
Chart 1 – Age and Gender of Individuals Surveyed
"not available"
Under the age category of 19-25, there were 8 females and 5 males. For the 26-30 age group, there was 1 female and 4 male. There were 3 female and 6 males ages 31-35 and no individuals ages 36-40. For the age categories 41-45 and 46-50 there was one female each with no males in either age group. In the age category of over 50 there were two female and two male. In total, there were 17 males and 16 females surveyed.
Question one was used as a base point to establish that the married individuals currently have arguments in their marriages. Question four, regarding how they would choose to handle a marriage in serious difficulty, explains if they would seek professional help or choose to solve the their own issues.
Figure 1 – Question 1 concerning arguments individuals have with their spouses "not available"
Seventeen individuals said that Finances had been argued about more than once while 7 participants said they never did. When arguing about in-laws nearly half, 15, argued more than once, again 7 said they never did. Of the 33 individuals surveyed only 14 argued more than once while this time 11 said they have never argued about House-cleaning.
Once participants were asked whether or not they have had arguments with their spouses, Question 2 asked a “what if” type of question. Individuals were asked if problems were to increase, escalating to conflict on a daily basis what would they do if this continued for more than one year. Their options were to continue doing nothing, seek counseling, try to resolve it on their own or separate. As figure 2 shows, 17 out of 33 said they would try to resolve it on their own. Of the remaining 16 participants, all answered they would seek counseling.
Figure 2 – Question 2
If you were having serious communication problems that lasted over a year would you….? "not available"
Those that chose “seek counseling” were also given the opportunity to choose “religious leader” or “professional marriage counselor or therapist.” Four chose seeking counsel from a professional marriage counselor while the remaining 12 all chose counsel with a religious leader. Of those 12, 11 chose they would seek professional counseling if counsel with their religious leader did not resolve their problems.
Participants were also asked if they decided to resolve their own problems would marriage surveys or tests help. Two felt it “definitely would not help at all,” while one chose that it “would definitely help.” The remaining 13 were almost even with 6 choosing surveys would “help a little” and 7 chosing surveys would “help with some problems.”
Figure 3 – for those that chose “solve problems on their own”—also decided if marriage surveys not given by a professional were of any worth "not available"
After tallying the results from all 33 surveys, four couples were also asked to take a popular on-line marital survey. Individual couple comments and results complete the final analysis of the research.
When asked if they would be willing to take a marital survey, three couples agreed, while one couple declined. Of the three couples who agreed to take the survey, all six individuals had chosen “try to resolve problems on their own” for dealing with problems” and thought surveys “might help a little.” The declining couple had stated they would seek marriage counseling with a professional therapist and were the two who felt surveys “definitely would not help.” The three remaining couples took the survey, approximately 30 minutes each person, and had varying results (Relate 2007 survey).
Couple 1, J & T, have been married for over 6 years and have a very conflictive, negative communication marriage. After taking the survey and reading the combined results, they felt the survey showed they had many problems but nothing they were not aware of. Even though they have many problem areas, J & T feel they have good communication. After taking the survey, they would not recommend it to friends and would not follow through by reading the suggested help material.
J & D, couple 2, have been married 5 years and have a none conflictive relationship. They feel their communication is very good. After taking the survey, they were surprised at the contention they felt. Especially because they seldom fight. J was surprised at some of D’s comments which brought about the conflict. Although they feel trying to read the help materials would be interesting and helpful, they doubted any time would be given to reading at this time. They also would not recommend this survey to friends.
The final couple, J & J, have been married only 9 months. This is a second marriage for the husband and a first marriage for the wife. This is the fourth survey they have taken since getting married. Both are aware of problems they both bring from previous negative relationships and would like to make their marriage work. They felt that this survey showed them some areas of concern they were not aware of previously. J & J hope to read at least one of the suggested books and felt this survey was worth the time and money. But even with the good comments they had to make, they also would
not recommend this survey to friends. Their reasoning was the cost, not because they do not think it is a good survey.
Based on the answers from the three couples, marital surveys not given by a professional have some plus' and negatives. If there had been a professional to explain the results and go over methods for improving communication problems, all couples agreed they would have felt the survey had been more beneficial. Couples results from this survey also helped to confirm that trying to solve long term marital problems is challenging and needs more than a couple's desire to change.
After completing the original survey and evaluating the results, the conclusion is as expected. First, the hypothesis was that over 60% would choose to solve their own marital problems. This was an over estimation as only 52% (a difference of four people) chose this solution. Second, the majority of those that selected "seek counseling" also chose to counsel with a religious leader not a professional marriage counselor. Obviously, a more scientific study of this subject would require more time, better detailed questions and a larger couple (not individual) study group to provide results that are more reflective of society. If statistics are correct and nearly 50% of every marriage ends in divorce, a different type of study evaluating how many couples sought counseling before divorce would be beneficial.
Regardless of why divorces have increased, getting information to couples on how to develop a more loving and positive relationship seems like the solution. But no one can force people to attend counseling sessions. A new method of counseling by DVD states, "Marital conflict and relationship problems are an everyday part of modern
marriage. Conflict in marriage is not necessarily a sign of a bad marriage" (Bray 2007). Finding out how not to react to conflictive issues or establishing positive communication can help couples climb the steps to a successful marriage.
Josh and Elena? They divorced over 25 years ago after attempting to resolve their marriage with counseling. Maybe with all of the studies and new methods being created, there is hope for future generations.
Works Cited
Atkins, David C, et al."Prediction of Response to Treatment in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Marital Therapy." Journal of Consulting and Clinical
Psychology, 0022006X, 20051001, Vol 73, Issue 5. 893-903.
Baucom, Donald H., et al. "Long-Term Prediction of Marital Quality Following a Relationship Education Program: Being Positive in a Constructive Way."
Journal of Family Psychology 20.3 (Sep 2006): 448-455.
Bray, James H. "Helping Couples Change." US: American Psychological Association, electronic collection of "Couples at an Impasse." Carlson 2006.
Dinkmeyer, Don Jr. "A systematic approach to marriage education." Journal of
Individual Psychology, Vol 63(3), Fall 2007. 315-321.
Juvva, Srilatha. "Epigentic model of marital expectations." Contemporary Family
Therapy: An International Journal, Vol 28(1), Mar 2006. 61-72.
Moynehan, Jack and Jerome Adams. "What's the Problem? A Look at Men in Marital Therapy." The American Journal of Family Therapy, 35:1, (2007). 41-51.
Orathinkal, Jose. "Couples' conflicts: A territorial perspective." Sexual and Relationship
Therapy, Vol 21(1), Feb 2006. 27-44.
Rogge, Ronald, et al. "Predicting Marital Distress and Dissolution: Refining the Two- Factor Hypothesis." Journal of Family Psychology, 08933200, 20060301, Vol 20, Issue 1.
Sanford, Keith. "Communication during Marital Conflict: When Couples Alter Their Appraisal, They Change Their Behavior." Journal of Family Psychology, 20.2(June 2006): 256-265.
Worthington, Everett L. Jr. "Repairing the Emotional Bond: Marriage Research from 1997 through Early 2005." Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol 24(3), Fall 2005. 259-262
