Navigating Religious Differences in Interfaith Relationships: Self Adjustment, Emotional Regulation, and Social Support – A Qualitative Study
Interfaith relationships often face challenges due to social stigma and cultural expectations, leading to conflicts over religious practices and value differences. This study examines the adaptation strategies employed by interfaith couples to navigate these challenges. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with two interfaith couples who had been in relationships for six months to three years. Data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding to identify recurring patterns in their experiences. Findings indicate that self-regulation, emotional regulation, and social support play a crucial role in maintaining relationship stability. However, the significance of these factors varies between individuals, with some relying more on emotional regulation while others emphasize social support. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and participant anonymity, were prioritized due to the sensitive nature of the study. While the small sample size limits the generalizability of findings, this study contributes to the understanding of interfaith relationship dynamics by highlighting how couples adapt to societal and relational challenges. Future research with a larger and more diverse sample could provide deeper insights into the influence of socio-cultural factors on interfaith relationships and further refine theories of relational adaptation.
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