Feminist Yaklaşıma Dayalı İlişki Geliştirme Programının Güç Paylaşımı, Benlik Yönelimleri ve Çift Uyumuna Etkisi

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a Feminist-Informed Relationship Enhancement Program on power sharing, self orientations and dyadic adjustment of married couples as well as to obtain couple evaluations of the program. Prior to developing the Feminist-Informed Relationship Enhancement Program, a qualitative pilot study was conducted to gather information on couples’ experiences related to the basic concepts/variables of the study. This doctoral research study involved a mixed method design integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods (embedded design). For the quantitative part of the (quasi-experimental) study six couples (n=12) were assigned. Eight group sessions were held with the experimental group while no treatment was provided for the control group couples. In order to obtain qualitative data from the partners in the experimental groups, their detailed evaluation of the group experience was inquired upon the completion of the group sessions. Following measurement instruments were utilized for data collection for the pre, post and follow-up tests: to collect data on “power sharing” the Power Sharing in Couple Relationships Scale, which was developed by the researcher for this study, was used; to obtain data on participants’ “self orientations” the Balanced Integration-Differentiation Scale was used; to collect data on “dyadic adjustment”, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale was utilized. The follow up testing was done only with the experimental group three months after termination of the group sessions. These evaluations of the participants constituted the qualitative data of the study. While data analyses for both the quantitative and qualitative procedures were analyzed separately, they were combined and integrated in the findings and discussion sections. Mann Whitney U Test was conducted to compare the pre test scores of experimental and control groups. Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test was used to examine the differences between experimental group’s pre and post tests, control group’s pre and post tests and experimental group’s post and follow up tests scores. In addition, Mann Whitney U Test was used to compare post test scores of experimental and control groups. Lastly, the qualitative data was analyzed by conducting content analysis. In addition to the researcher, another person did content analysis in order to assure the reliability of the analyses. Results of the study showed that the Feminist-Informed Relationship Enhancement Program significantly increased experimental group participants’ scores on power sharing, interrelational orientation and dyadic adjustment. Comparing post tests of experimental and control groups showed that while there was no significant difference in experimental and control groups’ scores on self orientations, significant differences were found regarding power sharing and dyadic adjustment. In other words, the experimental group members scored significantly higher on these variables. Comparing experimental group’s post test and follow up test results revealed that the effects of the program continued on power sharing and dyadic adjustment but did not significantly impact their scores on interrelational orientation at three-month follow up. Results of the qualitative analyses showed that the experimental group participants perceived the program to be useful in the following areas: “power to skills in conflict resolution”, “conceptualization of the vulnerability cycle”, “sharing responsibilities”, “attaining a systemic point of view in the relationship”, “evaluating power distribution”, “conceptualization of relational equity”, “gaining awareness on the social context” and “intimacy”. Furthermore, the participants perceived content of the program, physical environment of the group and the relationship with the facilitator (the researcher) as the main strengths of the program. Regarding the shortcomings of the program, the participants reported that the group sessions were too long, the number of sessions was too limited compared to the content of the program, and the group could be more diverse. The participants noted such qualities to contribute to the improvement of the program for future applications. Results, limitations and implications of the findings were discussed.