Dyadic discernment among young spouses in conflict: a decision science of marital and family therapy

• Main Authors: Mohamed Nordin, Mohd Hamdan, Hassan, Siti Aishah, Ismail, Ismi Arif, Hamsan, Hanina H., Abdul Aziz, Dzilal
• Format: Article
• Published: Allied Business Academies 2022
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/101022/; https://www.abacademies.org/articles/dyadic-discernment-among-young-spouses-in-conflict-a-decision-science-of-marital-and-family-therapy-13900.html
• Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Marital conflicts that strain young couples’ marriage typically go unresolved, leading to extended battles, physical injuries, third-party intervention, and, eventually, divorce. This study aims to define dyadic discernment as a decision science in the context of marital and family therapy. A couple who are in marital conflict with a wise and well-informed decision-making process is termed as dyadic discernment. Discernment counselling helps couples make wise and well-informed decisions on whether to (i) improve the marital relationship and increase marital satisfaction; (ii) divorce and work on individual well-being and custodial arrangements; or, (iii) maintain the status quo and cope with the current situation while waiting for a better time. Conflict issues and considerations in dyadic discernment among young spouses are discussed. Finally, the need for a psychometrically sound instrument called the Dyadic Discernment Scale (DDS) is presented in this study.