Marital schism, also known as marital discord or marital disharmony, is a state of tension in a marriage that is caused by the diverging of the spouses’ mentalities, interests, and/or values. Marital schism is characterized by a lack of communication, cooperation, and consensus between the partners, leading to feelings of insecurity, unhappiness, and frustration in the marriage. The psychological consequences of marital schism can be serious, leading to decreased mental wellbeing, marital distress, and even divorce (Garrido, Gomil & Álvarez, 2019).
Studies have shown that there are several factors that contribute to marital schism. These can include differences in personality, values, interests, goals, and expectations between the partners (Rhodes & Desai, 2019). In addition, factors such as stress, financial issues, infidelity, and poor communication can also lead to marital schism (Liu, 2020).
The effects of marital schism can be damaging to both parties involved. Research has found that when one partner in a marriage experiences marital schism, they are more likely to experience psychological distress, including depression and anxiety (Knox, 2018). In addition, marital schism can lead to decreased marital satisfaction, increased marital conflict, and even divorce (Garrido et al., 2019).
The good news is that there are several ways to reduce marital schism. One way is to talk openly with your partner about your feelings and concerns in the relationship (Knox, 2018). This can help to identify and address the underlying issues that are causing the marital schism. Additionally, couples can benefit from engaging in couples therapy or workshops to learn more effective communication and conflict resolution techniques (Rhodes & Desai, 2019).
In conclusion, marital schism can have serious consequences for the individuals involved, and it is important to take steps to prevent it from developing or escalating. Open communication, understanding, and conflict resolution strategies are key to maintaining a happy and healthy marriage.
References
Garrido, E., Gomil, S., & Álvarez, R. (2019). Marital Discord and Its Consequences. International Journal of Mental Health & Psychiatry, 7(3), 1-7.
Knox, S. (2018). Marital Schism: A Look at the Causes and Cures. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 25(2), 267-275.
Liu, C. (2020). Marital Discord: Causes and Cures. International Journal of Psychology, 55(3), 631-639.
Rhodes, S., & Desai, A. (2019). Marital Discord: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(10), 2088-2103.