Marital satisfaction within faith communities: assessing relationship quality in spirit-filled Christian couples

Abstract

Marital satisfaction is a critical determinant of overall well-being, with substantial research linking high-quality marriages to better mental and physical health. Within religious communities, particularly among Spirit-filled Christians, marriage is often viewed not just as a social contract but as a covenant relationship with spiritual significance. This perspective shapes the dynamics of marital relationships, influencing both satisfaction and the ways couples navigate challenges. In this study, Spirit-filled Christians are defined as individuals and communities who uphold traditional Christian teachings, including the divinity of Jesus Christ, the divine inspiration of Scripture, the acknowledgment of humanity's sinful nature, and the necessity of salvation through faith in Christ's death and resurrection. Additionally, they emphasize the active presence of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives and worship practices. Despite the well-documented importance of marital quality and the role of faith in health outcomes, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding how religious beliefs specifically affect marital satisfaction among Spirit-filled Christian couples. Previous studies have largely focused on the general influence of faith on health outcomes, but few have examined the unique intersection of religious doctrine and marital satisfaction within this community. To address this gap, this exploratory qualitative study examined the lived experiences of Spirit-filled Christian couples in long-term marriages, focusing on how their faith informs relational dynamics, coping strategies, and perceptions of satisfaction. Twenty-three participants all of whom had been married for at least five years, took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using an inductive approach and interpreted through the Strength and Strain Model (Slatcher & Selcuk, 2017), which conceptualizes relationships as sites of both support and stress. Findings revealed that participants viewed faith as a deeply relational resource. Prayer, Scripture, church teachings, and a covenantal understanding of marriage were frequently cited as mechanisms for emotional regulation, reframing disillusionment, and reinforcing long-term commitment. Many participants emphasized the centrality of spiritual meaning-making in their approach to conflict, disappointment, and growth within marriage. Moreover, the findings illuminated complex dynamics between participants and their church communities. While some churches provided meaningful pastoral support, community prayer, and mentorship, others lacked the theological or emotional nuance to address issues like addiction, trauma, or mental health. Participants often expressed gratitude for the role of the church in sustaining their spiritual lives while also noting the need for trauma-informed, emotionally attuned ministry that allows space for authenticity and struggle. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on religious subcultures, marital satisfaction, and spiritual coping. Implications include the need for spiritually integrated mental health interventions.