Intimacy in marriage: A qualitative analysis of Indian married couples

Abstract

Intimacy influences marriage satisfaction, marriage sustainability, and marriage efficiency. Despite widespread interest in marital intimacy, most study has concentrated on the roles or components of the construct in marriage happiness. Couple intimacy factors are sometimes disregarded. Existing research has primarily relied on transverse study data. There is very little information available on intimate elements in many cultures. There hasn't been a research study that studied intimacy through the perspective of intimate partners. As a result, this qualitative research aims to examine and introduce culturally sensitive aspects that increase marital intimacy in Indian couples.. Using selective sampling, 16 women and men (eight intimate pairs) were chosen to participate in the current study, and information gleaned through semi-structured interviews were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research approach. The findings revealed that the following elements improved marital intimacy: i)Interaction with family members (ii) Duration of time spent in marriage/Length of marriage (iii) Selflessness, Compassion and devotion(iv) Appreciation (v) Working together and participating in activities (vi) Parenting, Child care and Child Rearing(vii) Socializing together/Mutual friendships (viii) Culture and belief systems This study emphasizes the significance of two new characteristics in Indian collectivist culture: selflessness and appreciation. The data are used to examine the implications for program architects, marriage counselors, and clinicians.