Abstract
On the basis of the heuristics of love components that show a quality change when couples are married longer and the studies that show the results of the dynamic of long-term marriage, this study hypothesized that the important elements of maintaining marital relationships would show adulthood differences. Through interviewing 3 different adulthood subjects with the open question method and subjects rating short scale items, the results showed that (1) all 3 age groups (young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults) responded and rated mutual considerateness and tolerance as the most important elements for maintaining marital relationships; (2) all 3 age groups shared the belief that mutual respect, trust, encouragement, concern, understanding, care, and thanksgiving and responsibility were also important elements for maintaining marital relationships; and (3) all 3 age groups rated shared interest, activity, discussion topic, belief and value, and occupied time and personal space as the least important elements for maintaining marital relationships. Meanwhile, the results also showed that good communication, expression of love, and a satisfying sexual relationship were important for young adults; children’s well-being and responsibility was important for middle-aged adults; and mutual care and thanksgiving, and playing a traditional sex role were important for older adults.
| Keywords: | adulthood differences; marital relationships; love components |
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