Title  The impact of emigration on the marital relationship. An exploratory study with Portuguese couples immigrating to France
Author  Gabriela Mónica Banrezes Cunha
Advisor  Cidália Duarte
Year  2014
Institution  Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
Degree  Masters
Area  Psicology
Keywords  Conjugality, life events/transitions, migration, intimacy, conflicts
URI  https://repositorio-aberto.up.pt/handle/10216/79436

Abstract

At a time of constant change, it is pertinent to think about the changes that affect individuals and their families, what impact a transition such as emigration has on individuals and their marital relationships, and how couples adapt to these changes. Given the lack of research into emigration, the main aim of this study is to understand the marital experience during this transition, by analyzing the changes with the greatest impact on the marital relationship, exploring the impact of these changes on marital intimacy and conflict, and the main support these couples found. Using a qualitative methodological approach, based on a semi-structured interview script, 11 couples were interviewed who had been married or in a de facto union for at least two years and had lived in the country for between 2 and 10 years. The main results suggest that this emigration transition is triggered by factors resulting from the socio-economic context in which these couples live, as well as family and marital factors. Throughout this transition, changes such as the financial stability achieved, the need to solve problems together and the reduced social network seem to have a beneficial impact on conjugality, particularly in terms of intimacy and conflicts. It was found that these factors resulted in a greater sharing of time, activities and support between the spouses and changes in marital communication. It was also concluded that these relational changes, perceived as intimacy, correspond to initial expectations and are valued as fundamental for the well-being of the individuals and for maintaining the relationship throughout this transition. The results also show that this transition, especially at an early stage, implies an increase in conflicts, although there is a decrease later on. The main reasons given by these couples are the initial adaptation phase, with extrafamilial relationships and different forms of acculturation becoming more important later on. The strategies used are mainly open and constructive communication, compromise and a spirit of sacrifice. There is also a shortage of social resources, limited to family relationships due to the instrumental support provided, with other community and social relationships emerging later. At the end, the study's limitations and implications for psychological intervention are reflected upon, as well as avenues for future research.