BERNADETH P.

DE GUZMAN
Ph.DPA Student

DR. EDITHA MISSION

Subject Professor

ADVANCED STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

CORRELATION BETWEEN AGE DIFFERENCES AND MARITAL QUALITY IN

SELECTED COUPLES IN CALAPAN CITY

Bernadeth Palomera De Guzman, MPA, MS CRIM

Abstract

The study aims to understand and determine if there is no significant relationship

between the age gap and marital relationship of the respondents. This research was
conducted among couples which have been married for five (5) years and above and
residents of the City of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. The researcher made sure that the
respondents are legally bound under a solemn ceremony by a priest or judge or mayor.
The participants were chosen through purposive sampling technique, based on the
objective of this study. The study found out that in the present millennium, many couples
engage in a relationship with wide age gap. It shows that regardless of society’s
disapproval nothing can hinder two individuals to unite as husband and wife. This
research study also shows that they may have age differences but in terms of love, marital
power, happiness, problem and independence can be characterized or described with the
same satisfaction. As couples, they have their own way of showing love to their partner
in which age doesn’t really matter. The researcher conclude that age difference have a
big impact in marital relationship of couples. But as long as they love each other and stay
committed, no one can interfere to their happiness and contentment.

Keywords: age gap, length of marriage, happiness, problem, power and

independence

Background of the Study

In some developed nations, the acceptance of wide age gaps varies greatly. At
present millennium, big age gap among couples receiving disapproval and condemnation
while some couples with wide age gap getting appreciation and approval. Society today
as it opens to the changing modal of time if not silent on issue just keep their sense of
judgment for themselves and would never give their comment whatever.

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 Some people desiring to marry a too much older or too much younger that they
are still put their fate on marriage. For them age is just a plain statistical differences and
take the chances of better married life, anyhow in love age does not matter a longer as
each one pledged a faithful, strong, stable prosperous and happy married life. No one
can tell what would be the fate of their relationship despite age gaps, only the couples
themselves can tell. Though, it is true that a younger person marrying an older one,
subconsciously getting matured in physical appearance, and consciously forced to adjust
mature life, and responsibilities, depriving them to enjoy further their precious
youthfulness. Bit of

course the decision is on them without force major, or pressure from the outside, only
their heart and mind dictate all other obstacles will be discarded.
Marital quality is an important aspect of family life that shapes people’s health and
well-being. High level of marital quality is associated with less depression, less physical
illness and better self-rated health, and other positive outcomes (Williams, et al., 2003).
Marriage is a contract where the husband provides shelter and security in exchange for
sexual exclusive gratification (Antonio, 2016). Men and women both reported greater
marital satisfaction with younger spouses, but that satisfaction fades over time in
marriages with significant age gap between partners. Men married to younger wives are
the most satisfied, and men who married older wives are the least satisfied (Greyling,
2017). In the Philippines, the phenomenon of marrying older partner is a big issue.
Everything seems to appear that being older is an advantage in women. Young Filipina
marrying or dating an older is the perfect choice. While in some it is a disaster (Indy,
2017).
The researcher purposely will look into the historical social disapproval on young
person marrying a much older spouse and will examine how age gaps currently relate to
marital quality of couples. This study could provide some materials for the marriage
counselors for guiding and counseling the couples who wish to engage with the person
whose age is higher or lower than their age.

Objectives of the Study

This study aims to determine the relationship between age gaps and their marital
quality.

1. Describe the profile of the selected couples in Calapan City in terms of:
1.1 age gap
1.2 length of marriage
2. Describe the marital quality of couples in terms of:
2.2 happiness
2.3 problem
2.4 power

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 2.5 independence
3. Describe the significant relationship between the age gap and marital relationship of
the respondents.
4. Describe if there is a significant difference among the indicators of marital quality.
5. Describe the output that can be proposed.

Theoretical Framework

This study were anchored on the following reviews of social-psychological and

sociological theories.

Social Exchange Theory provides social-psychological and sociological perspective that

explain social exchange and stability as a process of negotiating exchange between
parties. The paradigm of this theory seeks to explain the development, maintenance and
decay of exchange relationships in terms of the balance between the rewards that
partners obtained and the cost that incurred by selecting themselves to engage in marital
relationships. Cost are the factors inhibit or deter a performance of a sequence of
behaviors within marriage. Wherein, rewards are the pleasure, satisfactions and
gratification that a person enjoys within marriage (Thibaut and Kelly, 1959).

However, Social-Conflict Theory by Karl Marx shows the differences in people, and
the disputes and problems that are caused by conflicts. Conflict theorists also dealt from
macro or broad perspective looking at the major trends of different ethnic groups roles
and acceptance in society. The question here is “How do marriage benefit women and
men equally?”. When this theory is applied, men are viewed as being superior to women.
This creates conflict because men are trying to impose their power and women are
attempting to seize more power (Mast, 2018).

Moreover, Structural-Functional Theory of Herbert Spencer examines group of

people or organization in society, and looked for the events or other things that hold group
together. By looking at the consequence of marriage, structural-functionalist is looking at
the most significant functions that hold a marriage together and make it work. This allows
theories to focus not on the less common functions that affect some marriages, but on
the less common functions that affect nearly marriage (Mast, 2018).

Lastly, Gottman’s (1993) process theory of cascade towards marital dissatisfaction

and dissolution incorporates both behavioral and social exchange theories. Gottman
looked beyond the collection of factors, blamed for the notable increase in rates of marital
failure (easier divorce laws, women’s financial independence) nothing that they do not
offer explanations for why some marriage lasts and others are dissolved. Those
marriages where negativity prevails are labelled “non-regulated ones to be unhappy

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marriages in which separation and or have been considered (Gotmann 1993; Lindahl,
Malik and Bradbury 1997).

Conceptual Framework

Based on the theoretical discussions, the conceptual model is drawn below.

IV DV

Profile of couples in Status of marriage in terms

terms of: of:

1. age gap 1.happinness

2. length of marriage 2.problem

3.power

4.independence

Pre- Marital Counseling Program

Figure 1

Hypothesized Relationship and Difference Between and Among Variables of the

Study.

Figure 1, shows the differences and relationship between and among variables of
the study.

The first box includes the profile of the couple in terms of age gap and marriage
duration. It was determined through the researcher validated questionnaire.

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 The second box shows the status of marriage in terms of happiness, problem,
power and independence. It was also measured through the use of researcher-validated
questionnaire.

Lastly, the third box shows the outcome of this study, the Pre-Marital Counseling
Program.

METHODOLOGY

The study employed descriptive –comparative and correlational approach to

determine the profile of couples, marriage status and the relationship between the age
gap and marital quality and to gather information about the present condition and to
determine whether variables were related to one another using self-prepared
questionnaire. The respondents of the study were 20 couples who were selected from
Calapan City area in able to determine if there is significant relationship between age
difference and marital quality using purposive random sampling.

The study used weighted mean and Pearson’s Product Moment of Correlation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

I. Profile of selected couples in Calapan City in terms of Age Gap

1.1 Age Gap

Table 1.1 shows the profile of the couples in terms of their age gap.
As gleaned on the table, the frequency of every age gap is 5 with a total of 20, and
a percentage of 25% each.

The result shows that in the present millennium, many couple engage in a
relationship with wide age gap. It shows that regardless of society’s disapproval nothing
can hinder two individuals to unite as husband and wife.

This conforms to the findings of Defhal (2002), he views that age is only a state of
mind and that people are only as old a state of mind and that people are only as old as
they feel. This is an optimistic approach to aging that has been accepted in some cultures.
This implies aging that has been accepted in some cultures. This implies that marriage
can be successful regardless of the age differences they have.

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Table 1.1 Age gap profile of the respondents

Age Difference Frequency Percentage

3 to 4 years gap 5 25%

5 to 6 years gap 5 25%
7 to 8 years gap 5 25%
9 to 10 years gap 5 25%
Total: 20 100%

1.2 Length of Marriage

Table 1.2 reveals the profile of couples in terms of length of their marriage.

The table shows that in every age gap, the scope of respondent’s length of
marriage are 25 years to 29 years. The 5 to 9 years length of marriage obtained the
largest number of respondents with the total of 8 which is 40%. This means that in our
society today, having a relationship with wide age gap is becoming a prevalent for some
couples.
Meanwhile, 25 to 29 years length of marriage obtained the smallest number of
respondents of 1 which is 5%. This means that for past years less people are engaging
in a relationship with a wide age gap.

The result is supported by the study of Reekay (2013), that relationships “cannot
last” because of different variables including changes of maturity over the years, different
priorities and a lack of experiences in life. However, here in the Philippines, all those
packaged preconceptions have resulted in many happy, sound and devoted long-term
marriages between couples with as much age 40- year age difference.

Table 1.2 Profile of length of marriage of the respondents

Length of Marriage Frequency Percentage

5 to 9 years 8 40%
10 to 14 years 4 20 %
15 to 19 years 3 15%
20 to 24 years 4 20%
25 to 29 years 1 5%

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2. Status of marriage of couples in terms of happiness, problem, power and
independence

Table 2.1 Presents the mean perception of the respondents on status of marriage
in terms of marital happiness.

It shows in the tables that the item which described as moderately satisfied with a
mean of 3.28 was: “We make sure that we are contented in our marriage status”. This
means that even if couples are experiencing some difficulties in their marital quality they
maintain a happy and satisfactory relationship.

However, the item which describes as satisfied with a mean of 2.4 was: We ask
each other if our day went well”. This shows that even if couples are too busy in their
everyday lives, they still find quality time in which they can share their experiences for the
whole day.

The overall mean of 2.83, described as moderately satisfied, specifies that

whatever age differences may couples have, it does affect relationship but as long as
they are happy and contented with each other, it make their marriage long last.

The outcome conform to Lost Medics study that marriage is a partnership between
two individuals and differences in ages do not make it of lower quality. When people share
the values, have similar interests and views in life, their biological age comes second.

Table 2.1 Mean level of the respondents of Marital Status in terms of Marital
Happiness

Marital Happiness Mean Rank Description

1. We have time of going out every month. 2.5 4 Moderately
(Mayroon kaming oras ng paglabas na Satisfied
magkasama sa loob ng isang buwan)
2. We asks each other if our day went well. 2.4 5 Satisfied
(Tinatanong naming ang bawat isa kung
nagging maayos ang nangyari sa amin amin
ng buong araw.)
3. We find time in sharing stories to each other. 3 2 Moderately
Naglalaan kami ng oras upang Satisfied
magbahanginan ng kwento sa isa’t-isa.)
4. We can’t get a day without kissing and hugging 2.96 3 Moderately
each other. Satisfied

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 (Hindi namin nakakaligtaan ang isang araw na
walang laambingan tulad ng simpleng yakap at
halik)
5. We make sure that we are contented in our 3. 28 1 Moderately
marriage status. satisfied
(Sinisigurado naming na kuntento ang bawat
isa sa aming pagsasama
Overall Mean: 2.83 Moderately
Satisfied

2.2. Marital Problem

Table 2.2 shows the mean perception of the respondents on status of marriage in
terms of marital problem.

As shown in the table, the item “We have a principal rule that physical violence
was unacceptable” got the first rank with the mean of 3.8 with a description of very
satisfied. This may show that even if couples are into a big fight, they control themselves
and their emotion to avoid physical violence.

Meanwhile, item “When we got into a fight we don’t threaten each other in terms
of divorce and ending our marriage” got the lowest rank with the mean of 2.24 describe
as satisfied. This means that couples in terms of problem do not think of separation as
the solution. It signifies that husband and wife are both responsible in fixing their fight to
satisfy their relationship.

The overall mean of 2,83 with the description of moderately satisfied indicates that
whatever problems that the respondents encountered, they found time to talk about it and
solve it for the sake of their family. Moreover, it proved that their age differences have no
connection to their marriage status when it comes to problems.

The result substantiates Gottman’s theory that concludes that a lasting marriage
results from a couple’s ability to resolve the conflicts that are inevitable in any relationship.
He also stated that the key to harmonic marriage lies on the balance between positive
and negative behavior.

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Table 2.2 Mean level of the respondents’ marital status in terms of marital
problems.

Marital Problems Mean Rank Description

1. We usually talk about our fears in our 2.48 3 Satisfied
relationship
( Pinaguusapan naming ang mga takot na
pwedeng makasira sa aming relasyon)
2. We comfort each other when facing a crisis. 3.2 2 Moderately
(Pinapagaan naming ang loob ng bawat isa Satisfied
kapag kami ay may problema.)
3. When we get into a conflict, we find a private and 2.36 4 Satisfied
safe place to discuss it.
(Kapag mayroon kaming hindi
pagkakaunawaan, humahanap kami ng
pribadong lugar upang itoay pag-usapan)
4. We have a principal rule that physical violence 3.8 1 Very Satisfied
was unacceptable.
(Mayroon kaming usapan na walang pisikal na
sakitan kapag mayroon kaming hindi
pinagkakaintindihan)
5. When we got into a fight we don’t threaten each 2.24 5 Satisfied
other in terms of divorce and ending our
marriage.
6. (Kapag mayroon kaming hindi pagkkaunawaan,
hindi namin ginagawang panakot ang
paghihiwalay.)
Overall Mean : 2.83 Satisfied

2.3 Marital Power

Table 2.3 presents the mean perception of the respondents’ status of marriage in
terms in terms of marital power.

For the marital power, the item which got the highest rank was: “We have an equal
time raising our children”, with a mean of 3.64 and described as very satisfied. This means
that when it comes to the welfare of their children they make sure that both of them have
the grip to control and protect their children.

Meanwhile, the item “We don’t make big decisions when we are both angry” got
the lowest rank with a mean of 2.52 and described as moderately satisfied. This implies

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that couples are making sure that they are in their right mind when making decisions for
the sake of their family.

The overall mean of 3.22 described as moderately satisfied, shows that when it
comes to power, respondents have control in their marriage. It also reveals that in making
decision about how to manage money, where to live, parenting practices both couple
know their function.

The results also corroborate with Amato and colleagues (2003) study that equal
power in decision making predicted increase in marital satisfaction in both genders. He
also stressed that wives, marital satisfaction was also positively associated with
husband’s participations in housework.

Table 2.3 Mean level of the respondents Marital Status in terms of Marital Power

Marital Power Mean Rank Description

1. We both controlled the 3.12 4 Moderately
earnings/income of each other. Satisfied
(Pareho kaming may kontrolado sa
kita/sahod ng bawat isa.)
2. We have an equal time raising our 3.64 1 Very Satisfied
children.
(Mayroon kaming sapat na oras sa
pagpapalaki ng aming mga anak.)
3. We discuss a certain conflict or thing 3.44 1 Very Satisfied
and made a mutual decision about it.
(Pinaguusapan namin ang mga
bagay na hindi naming
pinagkakasunduan at saka kami
magdedesisyon. )
4. We don’t make big decisions when 2.52 5 Moderately
we are both angry Satisfied
(Hindi kami gumagawa ng isang
malaking desisyon kapag pareho
kaming galit. )
5. We respect each other’s point of 3.36 3 Moderately
view. Satisfied
(Nirerespeto naming ang pananaw
ng bawat isa)
Overall Mean: 3.22 Moderately
Satisfied

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2.4 Marital Independence

Table 2.4 shows the mean perception of the respondents status of marriage in
terms of marital independence.

As revealed, the item stating that “we still enjoy and have time with each other’s
family” got the highest rank described as very satisfied with a mean of 3.53. This shows
that when it comes to their own family, they make sure that they are still connected to one
another by spending their free time enjoying each other’s company.

However, the item describes as satisfied with a mean of 2.12 was “We do not
depend in our relatives regarding to our financial problems”. This means that when

couples are having a hard time in terms of money, they try to solve it in their own but there
are times they seek help from their relatives.

An overall mean of 2.63 on marital independence status was obtained and

described as moderately satisfied.

The result implies that respondents still managed each other’s time in their own
and they do not rely on relation with their financial problems. They both still enjoy time
with families and friends and still have time to take care of their children. Also, they still
managed their career independently.

The outcome conforms to Lee, Zarit et al (2002) study “Middle –Aged Couple”
exchange of support with their parents: parents and association with marital satisfaction
with states that the amount of support given to and received from parents had no
association with the couples’ marital independence.

The result also adheres to Kashiwagi Hiragawa’s (2003) study on “Marital now,
reality and satisfaction in middle aged couple: why are wives less satisfied than
husbands?”. He stated that factor analysis of marital reality variables include: love each
other, respect for the husband’s life style and respect for wives lifestyle.

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Table 2.4 Mean level of the respondents’ marital status in terms of marital
independence.

Marital Independence Mean Rank Description

1. We have both times in going out with our 2.40 3 Satisfied
friends.
(Pareho kaming may oras na lumabas
kasama ang aming mga kaibigan)
2. We do not depend in our relatives regarding 2.12 5 Satisfied
to our financial problems.
(Hindi kami dumedepende sa aming pamilya
kapag nagkukulang sa pinansyal)
3. We still enjoy and have time with each other’s 3.52 1 Very Satisfied
family.
(Pareho kaming masaya at may oras sa
pamilya ng bawat isa.)
4. We didn’t let our relatives to take charge in 2.16 4 Satisfied
taking care of our child.
(Hindi naming pinapasa sa iba ang
pagpapalaki/pag-aaruga sa aming mga
anak.)
5. We manage our own career, job or sideline 2.92 2 Moderately
independently. Satisfied
(May sarili kaming p[amamaraan ng
paghawak sa aming kanya-kanyang karera o
trabaho.
Overall Mean: 2.63 Moderately
satisfied

3. Significant relationship between the profile of the couples and marital quality.

Table 3. Table 3 shows the correlation between the profile of the couple and their
marital quality.

The computed r-value of -0.54 exceeded the critical value of 0.38 with 5% level of
significance at 18 degrees of freedom; as a result the null hypothesis is rejected.

Outcome shows that there is significant relationship that exists between the profile
of the couple and their marital quality. However, despite of the significant effect between
two variables it does not prevent couples to have high satisfaction to their marriage.

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 It was also strengthened by the study conducted by Wheeler (2002), in his thesis
entitled “Age Differences in Marriage: Exploring Predictions of Marital Quality in Husband-
Older, Wife-Older, and Same-age Marriage”. His study explored the association of age
differences between spouses at the time of marriage on various aspects of marital quality
years into the marriage. He found out that there is a little association between age
differences and marital quality. The few associations that were found were dependent
upon which spouse was older.

Table 3. Correlation between the profile of the couple and their marital quality.

Age Gap (3-4, 5-6, 7-9 & 9-10)

Computed Critical Df Result

R-value R-value
Marital Quality -0.54 0.38 18 Significant
(Happiness, Problem, Power,
Independence)

*significant
critical r-value: 0.38
degrees of freedom: 18
level of significance: 5%

4. Significant Differences of indicators in marital quality.

Table 4 presents the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) result on the

difference of indicators of status in marriage.

As shown in the table, there is no significant difference among the indictors of

status in marriage in terms of marital happiness, marital power, marital problem and
marital independence. The result shows that the computed F-value of 1.93 is less than
the critical F-value of 3.49 at 5% level of significance. As a result, the null hypothesis is
accepted.

With the result it could be asserted that couples have their own way of establishing
a good relationship with their partner in terms of marital power, happiness, problem and
independence. This implies that couples regardless of age differences can build good
and healthy relationship with their partners.

It also shows that they may have age differences but when it pertains to love,
marital power, happiness, problem and independence can be characterized or described
with the same satisfaction. As couples, they have their own way of showing love to their
partner in which age doesn’t really matter.

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Telephone Numbers: +63 43 723 1446 | 980 0041
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 The findings elaborate Homan’s work on human individual bahaviour of actors
while interacting with one another. The paradigm of this theory seeks to explain the
development, maintenance and decay of exchange relationships in terms of the balance
between the rewards that partner obtain and the cost they incur by selecting themselves
to engage in marital relationships. Wherein, rewards are the pleasures, satisfaction and
gratification that a person enjoys within marriage (Thibaut & Kelly, 1959).

Another study of Defhal (2010) also view that age is only a state of mind and that
people are only as old as they feel. This is an optimistic approach to aging that has been
accepted in some cultures. This implies that marriage can be successful regardless of the
age differences they have.

Table 4 One Way Analysis of Variance in the Indicators of Status in Marriage.

ANOVA
Source of Variation SS Df MS F F-critical Result
Between Gaps 0.8525 3 0.284166667 1.93 3.49 No
Significant
Within Gaps 1.765 12 0.147083333

Total 2.6175 15

Table 5. The output proposed based on the result of the study.

Based on the result of this study, the couples who engage in this kind of
relationship should undergo a Pre-Marital Counseling Program for them to clarify all the
negative perceptions in having a partner with a wide age gap and prepare the couples for
their future life togetherness.

Proposal

Activity Title : Pre-Marital Counseling Program for a Healthy Marriage

Office in Charge : Religious and Civic Organization
Target Date and Time: December 10, 2018 (8:00am-5:00pm)

Rationale

Pre- Marital Counseling Program for a Healthy Marriage was formulated in-line
with the schools drive in providing avenue for the Faculty of Mindoro State College of

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Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT) to understand the Correlations between Age
Differences and Marital Quality in Selected Couples in Calapan City in their daily lives.
Pre-Marital Counseling is a good idea for couples who are engage or planning to get
married in the near future especially those with large age gap. Although, some
relationships are generally strong and happy, pre-marital counseling can help to work out
any initial issues and helps the would be couple to create intentional time before
expectation, build a toolbox for conflict and establish a therapeutic relationship.

In this regard, the GAD Coordinator propose a program to would be couples in

order to become aware on possibilities or whatever may occur in engaging to a marriage
with large age difference. Moreover, it aims to gain insights in understanding married life
especially if engaged to a large age difference.

Objectives

1. To identify and address any potential areas of conflict in a relationship early on,
before issues become serious concerns.
2. To teach partners effective strategies for discussing and resolving conflict.
3. To develop communication and conflict resolution skills and address any fears they
might have about marriage, whether these concerns result from one’s personal
relationship history, family background, or otherwise.
4. To develop a health relationship form the beginning of their marital engagement.

Activity

Part I.
Date and Time Activity Target Group Office/Person In-
Charge
December Seminar about Couples having Marriage Counselor
Pre-Marital large gap
Counseling

Part II.

Date and Time Activity Target Group Office/Person In-

Charge
December Acting out situation Couples having Marriage Counselor
large gap

Part I. Pre-Marital Counseling Program

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 Module 1. Topic Description
Understanding What is a Pre-Marital Partners seeking counseling before
Counseling marriage may also find that pre-marital
counseling can help them better
understand their expectations about
marriage and address any significant
differences in a safe and neutral
environment.
Comprehends the Reasons and Pre-marital counseling can help partners
Benefits in Pre-Marital Counseling identify areas likely to cause conflict later
on such as finances, child-rearing
methods, career goals, and family
dynamics among others and either work
through these issues in early stages of the
relationship, if possible, or develop a plan
to address them in years to come.
Foresight the Possibilities in the Future Pre-marital counseling is used to prepared
couples for their future life together.
Importance of Intimacy to a Healthy Pre-marital counseling covers all areas of
Relationship a relationship, including intimacy,
sexuality, conflict resolution and
expectations. It can help couples
strengthen their relationship and assess
long term goals together as well as
prepare couples for future decisions.

Part II. Activity

Make your marriage relationship a Given all the demands they face, many
priority experience great difficulty in setting
healthy boundaries. Yet, it is crucially
important to make your marriage
relationship a high priority. Only your
relationship with God should take priority
over your marriage. Many couples get off
track, with too much focus on parenting
children, too many involvements in civic or
church activities, poor boundaries with
regard to the demands of their work.
Pray Together Prayer is a foundation for a successful
marriage. Studies indicate that the divorce
rate for couples who pray together is less

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 than 1%. Given that 50% of all marriage
end in divorce, this means that prayer is
crucial.
Greet Each Other Greet each other when you arrive home.
Stop what you are doing and take few
seconds to hug each other and welcome
each other home. Your partner will likely
feel that nothing else in your day is more
important.
Go for a Walk Together Save your marriage by going for a walk
together because walking takes
commitment.
You are together and away because of
work, household chores and other
business engagement.
You are usually outside in nature, which
can be very enjoyable.
The left-right motion of walking is actually
calming to your brain. In this calmer sate,
you can connect better with your partner.
Because you are both facing forward,
there is less intensity between you and
your partner. For couples who are
experiencing conflict, this lower intensity
can set the stage for reconnecting by
means of light conversation or just holding
hands.
The Power of Gratitude Gratitude is a great way to focus on the
positive side in your relationship.

Conclusions

Based on the foregoing findings, the following conclusions are hereby presented:

1. The profile of the selected couples from Calapan City exhibit that age does not
hinder partners to stay in marriage for a long period of time.
2. It concludes that couples could maintain their lives happy by finding time to spend
with their children and their own quality time as well as the saying goes “keep the
fire burning”.
3. It reveals that age differences influence the marital relationship of couples, but as
long as they love each other and stay committed, no one can interfere to their
happiness and contentment.

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 4. The status of marriage among the indicators assess that there is no significant
relationship between them. It could be noted that marriage couples with age gap
even as much as 10 years would not adversely affect their marital status much
more due the maturities of each individual. It assures effective management on
psychological and sociological aspects for both.
5. This study proposes that every couple who engages in this kind of relationship
should undergo in Pre-Marital Counseling for them to gain compassion and
communication skills that will get them through times and fully understand that love
is not about the age it’s all about how their relationship become strong when they
get married.

Recommendations

In the light of the findings gathered, the following recommendations are hereby
offered:

1. For partners with wide age gap, before they plan to marry their partner they should
undergo pre-marital counseling for them to understand and fully accept the
negative thoughts about the relationship they are engage in and to ensure that
each other may have strong and healthy relationship for a stable and satisfying
marriage.
2. In case of conflicts, couples should not go to sleep without resolving it first also
they should respect each other’s alone time and their time with their friends. It is
also recommended having an open communication with regards to their marital
status.
3. For couples with wide age gap, they should have depth insight that age is not a
hindrance for a long lasting relationship and in searching for a lifetime partner it
should be guided by the fact that age is not a primary criterion nor reason for
conflict in staying in a successful relationship.
4. To maintain their good relationship, couples should open their communication at
all times and also they should not be intimidated by each other’s success but be
proud and supportive for the family’s welfare.
5. For future researchers, they can use the provided materials for their follow-up
research or for parallel study.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Books

Bookwala 2012, Jackson Miller, Oka and Henry 2014. Marriage and other partnered
relationships in middle and late adulthood, in: Blieszner R. Bedford VH. Editors,
Handbook of Aging and the Family, 2.

Campuses: Hilltop | MH del Pilar | Pallocan East | Pallocan West | Lipa

Telephone Numbers: +63 43 723 1446 | 980 0041
Website: www.ub.edu.ph
B. Journals

Amato, P. R., Johnson, D.R. , Booth A., & Roger.,2007. Continuity and change in
Maritaal Quality between 1980 and 2000. Jornal of marriage and family, 65, 1-
22.

C. Published Materials

Antonio, J. (2016). Some Theories on Marriage and Relaionship in the 21 st Century.

BeYrslf
DiDonato, T. E. (2017). Can a relationship work when one partner is much older?.
Psychology Today

Campuses: Hilltop | MH del Pilar | Pallocan East | Pallocan West | Lipa

Telephone Numbers: +63 43 723 1446 | 980 0041
Website: www.ub.edu.ph