Marital Stability Among Quaker Couples

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate variables contributing to stability in the long-term marriages of members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). A qualitative approach was used to facilitate understanding of the dynamic and complex nature of a long-term marriage. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Quaker couples from Eastern Massachusetts. Participants were volunteers who had been married for at least 20 years, and whose youngest child was at least 18 years old. In addition, participants had been members of the Religious Society of Friends or attenders at Quaker meeting for at least 20 years. The interviews addressed a range of factors from the early years of marriage, middle years, and the current period. Additional questions were added concerning the impact of Quakerism on the individual and the marriage.