Abstract

NAVAS MARQUEZ, Melissa Ximena et al. What Unites Couples? Experiences in Relationships of Women from the Toluca Valley. Psicumex [online]. 2023, vol.13, e531.  Epub Aug 21, 2023. ISSN 2007-5936.  https://doi.org/10.36793/psicumex.v13i1.531.

The human interactions that occur in couple relationships relate to different parameters, which depend on the characteristics of the sociocultural environment. This study aimed to analyze the factors that women from the Valley of Toluca, State of Mexico, associate with the permanence of their relationship. A qualitative study was conducted; the participants were nine women, aged 20 to 65 years, who had been in a relationship for at least five years and lived with their partner at the time of the study. Data collection was performed by using consisted of semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that the participants possess empathic, conversational, and expressive skills. In the aspect of communication, reserved and positive styles were most frequently found. Separation, avoidance, and negotiation/dialogue prevailed in conflict management, and the most common commitment forms were of a personal, moral, and forced nature. It is concluded that empathy, communication, conflict management, and commitment are important for contributing to the permanence of the relationship, but variations exist in the way these categories are present among the participants in the study.

Keywords : couple relationships; empathy; commitment; communication; conflict management.

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