Abstract:

This study aims to thoroughly explore the dynamics and characteristics of the distant marriage relationship. This study, structured by the quality pattern, included 15 married individuals (10 women, 5 men) who kept their marriages at a distance for four years. In the study, the data was collected through a semi-configured interview form, and the analysis technique was used to evaluate the data obtained. After the content analysis, the distant marriage transition and the distant marriage process categories and these categories have been determined in the preparation for the transition, roles and responsibilities, conflict management strategies, family routines and rituals, the advantages of the distant marriage, the disadvantages of the distant marriage, the facilitators of the distant marriage, the sacrificed behaviors in the distant marriage and the subjects of the perspective of the distant marriage. The results of the study showed that factors such as effective communication, technology use, constructive conflict resolution strategies, positive personality characteristics and relationship resources, despite distances, support the maintenance of emotional proximity between spouses.

Abstract:

This study aims to explore the dynamics and characteristics of long-distance marriages thoroughly. This study which was conducted with a qualitative research method included 15 married individuals 10 women, 5 men who have been in long-distance marriages for almost four years M=50.60, SD=27.36 months . The data of the study were collected through semi-structured interview forms and analyzed by content analysis. Results of the content analysis yielded two main categories which were named as transition to long-distance marriage and process of long-distance marriage. Nine themes emerged under these two categories: preparation of transition to long-distance marriage, roles and responsibilities, conflict management strategies, family routines and rituals, advantages of long-distance marriage, disadvantages of long-distance marriage, facilitating factors of long-distance marriage, altruistic behaviors in long-distance marriage, and perspective to transition to close distance marriage. Findings of the study indicated that using effective communication strategies and technology, constructive conflict management strategies, positive personality traits, and relational resources support the maintenance of emotional intimacy despite the distance between the partners.

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