Author

Lori Michaud

Date of Award

2006

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Development

Advisor

Robert Milardo

Second Committee Member

Sandra Caron

Third Committee Member

Renate Klein

Abstract

It is important to study relationships due to high divorce rates. This research study examines conflict, relationship rituals, and joint leisure activity and their correlations with relationship satisfaction. This study is based on 114 married and unmarried participants. With a bivariate analysis, this study found that when relationship satisfaction is high, relationship rituals and joint leisure activity is also high. It is likely the couple deals with conflict advantageously therefore, when given the opportunity to partake in relationship rituals and joint leisure activities, they are given the opportunity to connect, communicate and create shared meaning resulting in a positive experience and lower conflict levels. Means between demographic groups were also compared.

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