The Role of Spirituality in Promoting Emotional Intimacy and Shaping Conflict Resolution Styles Among Married Couples

Abstract

Emotional intimacy and conflict resolution styles are critical determinants of marital satisfaction and long-term relational health. While extensive research has explored these constructs, the influence of spirituality – a search for the sacred characterised by entities, concepts, or qualities that are set apart from the ordinary and worthy of reverence – remains insufficiently examined within marital context. This study investigates the role of spirituality in shaping these two dimensions within the context of marital relationships, focusing on newlyweds and long term married couples. Employing a quantitative, cross sectional research design, data were collected from 208 (104 female, 104 male) participants using the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES), Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIS), and Conflict Resolution Style Inventory (CRSI). The findings revealed a significantly positive relationship between conflict resolution styles- acceptance, self-protection and conflict engagement- and spirituality suggesting how spiritual orientation may influence conflict management style. No statistically significant relationship was found between emotional intimacy and spirituality. Further, the comparative analysis indicated that newlyweds reported higher levels of spirituality and more intense conflict engagement than long-term couples, while emotional intimacy levels remained relatively consistent across both groups. These findings highlight the active role played by spirituality in early years of marriage.