Romantic Comedies May Stave Off Divorce

 Posted on April 29, 2015 in Uncategorized

Marital and family experts offer a wide variety of advice on how to improve a marriage and to make divorce less likely. Interestingly, however, recent findings suggests that marital stability can possibly be found in a surprising source. It turns out that modeling life after the movies may be just the thing to save your relationship.

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Rochester and UCLA, "newlywed couples who watched romantic films together were at a decreased risk for divorce." The research team divided 174 participant couples into four groups that received different levels of couples’ therapy. Two of the groups underwent intensive counseling, focusing on relationship skills, while a third group was given relationship awareness counseling. The last group served as a control, and did receive any counseling.

The study took place over three years. Couples undergoing relationship awareness counseling were instructed to watch romantic comedies together and then talk about the themes presented in the films. At the end of the study, couples that had undergone relationship awareness therapy and watched the films had a comparable and slightly lower rate of separation than couples in structured counseling groups. 13.3 percent of couples that had watched the films had separated compared to 13.4 percent of couples in counseling groups.  Just less than 25 percent of couples that underwent no counseling at all had separated.

"Thus," the Huffington Post reports, "watching the movies and simply discussing marital problems was just as effective in keeping couples together as the more developed, intensive counseling programs for newlyweds."

The results of a study like this one may not be surprising to some. Rachel Tasker of GuideDoc.com is one of those who is less than shocked. She says, "up to 38 percent of couples who receive marriage therapy get divorced within four years of completing therapy." Many critics of marriage counseling say that it doesn’t necessarily "save" a marriage—in many cases, this type of therapy only serves to convince a couple that they are not in a healthy marriage and that divorce is the best option.

If you are considering divorce in Illinois, understanding the impact it can have on your life and your future are among the most important considerations. A qualified divorce lawyer can help clarify your options, allowing you to make the best decision for your situation. Contact an experienced Kane County family law attorney today for a consultation. We look forward to serving you.