Identification of the Indicators of Effective Communication between Couples: A Phenomenological Study

Effective communication is the foundation upon which other aspects of marital relations are based, and the lack of effective communication between couples can lead to a higher level of marital conflicts and increase the risk of marital problems. Using successful couples’ experiences about effective communication can be inspirational and an efficient model to increase other couples' marital intimacy and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the indicators of effective communication between couples having healthy marital functioning. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method called descriptive phenomenology. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured interview taken by ten couples having healthy marital functioning. The analysis of the data was carried out using Colaizzi’s method. Based on the analysis of the findings of this study, five main themes and 20 sub-themes of the experience and perceptions of couples having healthy marital functioning in Urmia in the field of effective communication emerged. The main themes are: 1) factors affecting the establishment and continuity of communication, 2) stages and process of effective communication, 3) planning for communication, 4) content of communication, and 5) communication skills. The results of the study revealed that the quality and quantity of effective communication play an important role in the efficiency of couples’ lives. The experience of successful spouses can help counselors and couple therapists reduce the barriers to effective communication and increase marital intimacy.