Becoming United: Exploring the Link Between Couple Identity and Religiosity Within the Christian Context

Abstract

Couple identity, also referred to as a sense of “we-ness,” has begun to gain more scholarly attention as an important variable that has the power to transform inevitable adversity into an opportunity to grow and flourish as a couple. Yet, there is little research that specifically examines the process through which couples form and develop their sense of shared identity, especially within the faith context. This study uses a purposeful sample of couples who self-identify as Christian and as being in non-stressed, committed marriages. It aims to explore how these couples form and develop their shared identity, while also examining the intricate ways in which their religiosity influences this process. Using Consensual Qualitative Research from in-depth interviews with nine couples (N = 18 individual participants), two salient domains with key categories were identified that shed light on the elements of couple identity formation and development, and the link between religiosity and couple identity. Implications for research and practice in helping couples to develop and foster a more resilient couple identity are discussed.