Date of Award

8-1977

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Counseling/Psychology

Department

Psychology

Abstract

This thesis, Older Marriages: Case Studies of Six Traditional Marriages by Anne S. Weil (1977), explores the dynamics and developmental processes of long-term, traditional heterosexual marriages through a qualitative psychological lens. Using case study methodology, the author investigates six couples who have each been married for at least 20 years, aiming to understand how they have sustained their relationships over time.

The study is grounded in developmental and systems theory, proposing that marriages evolve through a series of life-cycle crises that require adaptation and restructuring by the couple. Each case study was developed from in-depth, taped interviews and supported by the Marital Adjustment Test and Leary’s Interpersonal Checklist (ICL) to assess relationship perceptions and personal congruence. The couples, all white, middle-class, and residing in the Los Angeles area, were interviewed together and separately to gather rich narrative and psychological insights.

Weil identifies key developmental milestones within marriage, including stages such as early adjustment, child-rearing, financial cooperation, coping with adolescence, the “empty nest,” and aging together. The thesis pays particular attention to how couples negotiate boundaries, redefine roles, maintain communication, and reconcile personal goals. Importantly, the research distinguishes between couples who adapted flexibly and those who maintained stability through emotional rigidity or developmental stasis.

The work contributes to the understanding of marital resilience, noting that while divorce and dysfunction often dominate therapeutic literature, many long-term marriages demonstrate growth and adaptation despite challenges. Weil’s findings have implications for marriage counselors, therapists, and human services professionals who aim to support enduring and healthy relationships.

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