Long Term Marriages and the Psychology behind Them

It is very evident that not many studies have been done to examine long-lasting marriages where couples share a happy and comfortable relationship with their spouse. The motive of our study was to understand the psychology behind long-term marriages and what factors play role in helping marriages flourish. Our research also studies whether the love and bonding among the couples changes over time or stay alike. In our qualitative study, we interviewed 43 heterogeneous happy couples who have been married for 25 years or more by now, using a self-made questionnaire containing 40 questions which consisted of both multiple choice and open ended questions. From the responses of the couples we concluded that it is very important to have love, trust, understanding, and a sense of commitment, transparency, ability to sacrifice and many other factors, to have a successful marriage. It is very important to accept the difference in thinking and actions in the spouse because two people cannot think alike. On the contrary, lack of interest, dominance and lack of trust can break down a beautiful relationship. This study can help relationship counsellors in a very productive manner as they can help couples improve their relationships and enrich it again with the love they once felt for each other.