Qualitative analysis of couple decision-making

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2009-01-01
Authors
Dekkers, Tara
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Megan J. Murphy
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Human Development and Family Studies

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies focuses on the interactions among individuals, families, and their resources and environments throughout their lifespans. It consists of three majors: Child, Adult, and Family Services (preparing students to work for agencies serving children, youth, adults, and families); Family Finance, Housing, and Policy (preparing students for work as financial counselors, insurance agents, loan-officers, lobbyists, policy experts, etc); and Early Childhood Education (preparing students to teach and work with young children and their families).

History


The Department of Human Development and Family Studies was formed in 1991 from the merger of the Department of Family Environment and the Department of Child Development.

Dates of Existence
1991-present

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  • College of Human Sciences (parent college)
  • Department of Child Development (predecessor)
  • Department of Family Environment (predecessor)

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Human Development and Family Studies
Abstract

Couple decision-making is a complex process which includes a variety of factors. Little research has been done that considers reflections after a decision has been made. The ways that couples make decisions varies but there are a number of underlying issues that are considered when making a family or couple decision. This qualitative study was a feminist grounded theory study in which the decision-making practices of nine couples were explored. These nine couples were interviewed together and separately about their decision-making practices. Themes indicate that outside influences such as one's faith, family, and friends affect most aspects of decision-making. An overarching theme that emerged was that couples tend to think about what was best for the family when making decisions. Power strategies, perspectives, and personal beliefs also emerged and were explored as part of the decision-making process. Reflections on satisfaction and discontentment of how decisions were made with one's spouse were explored. Implications for practitioners were made suggesting that family background, faith, power strategies, and personal beliefs and ideals be explored. Recommendations for future research were made.

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Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2009