Proposing Mental Health Awareness Inputs for Marital Relations

Abstract

One of the seven sacraments which arises from the ministry of Christ and continued by the Catholic Church is the Sacrament of Matrimony. Given that Matrimony is a sacrament, the Church recognizes the importance of the marital bond in couples (unitive) and their participation in the divine creative power (procreative). The Church is aware of the factors surrounding and affecting the integrity of the marriage of Catholic couples. It is aware of all the challenges faced by every couple that often leads to their separation, annulment, or divorce. (Elsig, 2023) says that ongoing unresolved conflict is harmful. When there are continued arguments in a relationship, research shows it restricts the processes that lead to good mental health. This suggests that marital brokenness is attributed to several factors that include the mental disposition of either spouse. It is in this regard that this research explores the possible integration of inputs for mental health awareness in Catholic marriages for couples who are in their early years in marriage. A meta-review of related literature citing the causes, effect, threats, and remedies relative to mental health issues affecting married couples shall be undertaken. These materials shall be discussed in terms of their practical catechetical value through the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Marriage. Through these various related literatures, the researchers hope to contribute towards the improvement of understanding the relationship between mental health issues and marital relations.