Marital Flourishing: A Systematic Review and a Conceptual Framework

Title

Marital Flourishing: A Systematic Review and a Conceptual Framework

Creator

Shenbakam, N.; Karalam, Sheeja Remani Balakrishnan; Francis, Abraham

Description

Marital flourishing, a multidimensional construct rooted in positive psychology, represents the optimal functioning of a marital relationship, marked by emotional intimacy, mutual support, resilience, and shared purpose. Despite increasing scholarly interest in relationship satisfaction and stability, the specific determinants of marital flourishing, particularly through the lens of attachment theory, remain insufficiently explored. This review synthesises findings from four peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024 to examine the theoretical and empirical connections between adult romantic attachment and the dimensions of flourishing marriages. The review follows a systematic narrative method. Drawing from the foundational work of Bowlby and the clinical framework developed by Sue Johnson in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), the paper proposes the Secure Attachment-Based Marital Flourishing Model (SAB-MFM). This conceptual framework highlights secure bonding as the core mechanism for relational thriving. This review highlights key takeaways for therapy, relationship education, and future research, offering practical insights for improving couple interventions and guiding new directions in the science of intimate relationships. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.

Source

Collective Flourishing in India: Culture, Social Cohesion and Community Well-being;pp.175-191

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Springer Nature

Subject

Adult attachment theory; Marital flourishing; Marital flourishing model; Marital intimacy; Secure attachment

Coverage

Shenbakam N., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Karalam S.R.B., Department of Sociology and Social Work, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Francis A., Social Work, School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISBN: 978-981952333-7; 978-981952332-0;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Book chapter

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-2333-7_12

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105031783218?origin=resultslist