Roman Catholic couples: Wrath and religion

Qualitative methods were used to research the effects of the religious beli efs and practices of ten Roman Catholic couples on the ways in which they m anaged anger and conflict in their marital relationship. The couples were i nterviewed separately, twice each, using Grounded Theory techniques in the first, semi-structured interview, and Repertory Grids in the second. Religi ous beliefs supported a broad range of positions on anger management from s elf-control through to the thoughtful expression of anger. It is suggested that religious beliefs and practices can be thought of as expanding or rest ricting "space" by reducing the intensity of anger experienced and by provi ding an opportunity for reflection which enabled participants to take great er responsibility for their part in conflicts. The relationship with God af fected the "space" in the couple relationship by meeting some of the unmet needs of individuals and by detouring anger away from the spouse to God whe re it was felt to be safely contained. This procedure was used more by wive s; their husbands seemed more often to fear and avoid conflicts and the exp ression of anger. Links were made between the marital relationship and the relationship with God. It was proposed that these systems are both evolving interactively with changes in one resulting in changes in the other. Howev er, there can be a delay before changes in one system can be integrated wit h conflicting beliefs or practices in the reciprocal system, which may resu lt in ambivalent attitudes toward anger and conflict. Clinical implications and directions for future research were suggested.