Identifying Factors of Marital Commitment During Economic Stress: A Qualitative Study
Keywords:
Marital commitment, economic stress, resilience, communication, coping strategiesAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore and identify the psychological, relational, and cultural factors that sustain marital commitment among Hungarian couples experiencing significant financial adversity.
Methods and Materials: A qualitative exploratory design was employed to capture the lived experiences of couples facing economic strain. Using purposive sampling, 21 married individuals from Hungary who had encountered major financial challenges in the past five years were recruited. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, lasting between 45 and 75 minutes, focusing on participants’ coping strategies, communication patterns, and sources of resilience. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All sessions were transcribed verbatim, translated from Hungarian into English when necessary, and analyzed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo 14 software. Rigorous strategies, including independent coding and reflective memoing, enhanced credibility and trustworthiness.
Findings: Four overarching themes emerged from the analysis: emotional resilience, communication dynamics, adaptive coping strategies, and value and commitment anchors. Couples reported that trust, mutual reassurance, and emotional regulation were essential for enduring financial distress. Open financial dialogue and conflict de-escalation prevented misunderstandings and fostered teamwork. Adaptive coping included creative income generation, resourcefulness, and reliance on extended family and community networks. Cultural and moral anchors — such as shared belief systems, family responsibility, and a collective “us against the problem” mindset — provided a deeper sense of purpose and stability. These interconnected processes collectively explained how couples sustained long-term commitment despite economic challenges.
Conclusion: Marital commitment during economic stress arises from a dynamic interplay of emotional, relational, and cultural resources. Understanding these protective processes can guide counseling, community interventions, and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening families facing financial hardship.
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