The effect of religion on the relationship between spouses: A qualitative research on the perception of religious spouses

This study aims to understand the perceptions of religious spouses about how religion affects their relationships. In addition to understanding how the effect of religion on the relations between spouses is perceived, it is desired to understand the effects of religion on the establishment of the marital relationship, the relationship between parents and children, the prevention of problems between spouses, and the solution of family problems and crises. According to the perception of religious spouses participating in our research, religion affects family relationships starting from the choice of spouse and provides positive contributions to both spouse-to-spouse relations and parent-child relationships. The results of our research are compatible with the literature dealing with the effects of religion on family relationships. Our research reveals that religious spouses see religion as a preventive factor in the formation of family problems and as a support provider in the solution of emerging family problems. For this reason, religion is perceived as a factor that prevents the emergence of internal family crises due to the inability to solve family problems, provides support in overcoming external family crises and strengthens family resilience. The findings of the study were discussed based on the relevant literature, and it has been seen that the results obtained were compatible with the literature. Finally, suggestions were made for further studies and institutions working on the family.