The Process Leading to Marriage and Attitudes toward Marriage in Young Adulthood

: An Analysis Using Trajectory Equifinality Modeling (TEM)

Abstract

　　This study aimed to identify the process leading to marriage and attitudes toward marriage in young adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six couples (n = 12) who had been married for less than a year. The interviews were then analyzed using Trajectory Equifinality Modeling (TEM). Results indicated that young adults’ attitudes toward marriage were based on their perceptions of their parents’ attitudes toward marriage. Moreover, they considered their partner’s uniqueness to be an essential factor in the marriage process. Many couples experienced various difficulties before marriage, which they overcame through coping behavior. In addition, some couples experienced difficulties in terms of altering their conflicting attitudes toward marriage. Moreover, the marriage process was impacted by financial circumstances and living conditions, which were factors in choosing a partner.

　　This study focused on the formation of attitudes toward marriage in young adulthood and the process of marrying a specific person. Young adults’ attitudes toward marriage were found to be based on their perceptions of their parents’ attitudes toward marriage, and the uniqueness of one’s partner was considered to be an essential factor when marrying. When experiencing difficulties before marriage, such as conflicting attitudes toward marriage, couples engaged in appropriate coping behavior. This coping behavior included waiting for the right opportunity, reconciling feelings and opinions, and reaffirming the uniqueness of one’s partner.