Marital Subsystem: Exploring Couples’ Interdependence and Family Functioning
In recent decades, family systems theory has become an increasingly important framework in the study of family dynamics. At the center of this theory is the concept of familial interdependence, which is the mutual reliance of family members on one another for their well-being and functioning. One key element of this interdependence is the marital subsystem, which is defined as the interrelationship between the partners in a marriage or intimate relationship. This article reviews the literature on marital subsystems and explores the implications for couples’ well-being and family functioning.
The marital subsystem encompasses a wide range of topics, from communication and conflict resolution to sexual satisfaction and emotional intimacy. Research has consistently shown that the quality of the marital relationship is a key factor in couples’ overall well-being, as well as the functioning of their families. For example, one study found that couples who reported higher levels of marital satisfaction were more likely to report greater family cohesion and better family functioning (Huston & Houts, 1998). Another study found that couples with higher levels of marital satisfaction were more likely to report higher levels of emotional intimacy and greater sexual satisfaction (Kurdek, 2004).
In addition to the overall quality of the marital relationship, research has also shown that certain aspects of the marital subsystem are particularly important for couples’ well-being and family functioning. For example, communication has been identified as an important factor in couples’ satisfaction and family functioning. Studies have found that couples who engage in open and honest communication are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction and better family functioning (Riggio & Friedman, 2006). Similarly, couples who are able to effectively resolve conflicts are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction and better family functioning (Gottman & Levenson, 2002).
The marital subsystem also has implications for other family members, such as children. Studies have found that couples’ marital satisfaction is related to their children’s well-being and functioning. For example, one study found that couples’ marital satisfaction was related to their children’s academic achievement, self-esteem, and social adjustment (Lansford et al., 2009). Another study found that couples’ marital satisfaction was related to their children’s behavior problems and overall functioning (McHale et al., 2006).
In conclusion, the marital subsystem is an important aspect of family systems theory and is related to couples’ well-being and family functioning. Research has consistently shown that the quality of the marital relationship is a key factor in couples’ overall well-being, as well as the functioning of their families. In addition, certain aspects of the marital subsystem, such as communication and conflict resolution, have been identified as particularly important for couples’ well-being and family functioning. Finally, the marital subsystem also has implications for other family members, such as children.
References
Gottman, J. M., & Levenson, R. W. (2002). A two-factor model for predicting when a couple will divorce: Exploratory analyses using 14-year longitudinal data. Family Process, 41(1), 83-96.
Huston, T. L., & Houts, R. M. (1998). The psychological infrastructure of courtship and marriage: The role of personality and compatibility in romantic relationships. In T. N. Bradbury (Ed.), The developmental course of marital dysfunction (pp. 189–212). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Kurdek, L. A. (2004). Predictors of marital dissolution in heterosexual married, gay cohabiting, and lesbian cohabiting couples. Journal of Marriage and Family, 66(3), 880–897.
Lansford, J. E., Sharma, A., Malone, P. S., Uribe, T., Dodge, K. A., Oburu, P., … Al-Hassan, S. (2009). Linking marital conflict and children’s adjustment in nine countries. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50(9), 1095–1104.
McHale, J. P., Crouter, A. C., & Tucker, C. J. (2006). Marital processes and family contexts of children’s functioning. Journal of Family Psychology, 20(2), 177–186.
Riggio, H. E., & Friedman, H. S. (2006). Communication in marital and family therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 32(3), 301–318.