Girgždė, Vilija

Relationship self-regulation is a way for couples to work on their relationships by becoming reflective about them, by setting goals for improvement, and by following up with efforts to be a better partner. Reflection is an important process in relationship self-regulation addressed in this study. The aim of this study is to analyse relationship self-regulation narratives after a relationship education intervention. Ten married partners (age 33-43 years) participated in a four-day reflective experiential relationship education programme intervention. The study investigated couples’ experiences of working on their relationship after the intervention. Two focus groups were conducted and narrative analysis was used. Four common themes emerged: becoming aware of one’s inner reactions and re-appraisals, learning to be sensitive, noticing one's own habitual responses and making choice, and experimenting in the relationship. These themes are discussed by applying a couple relationship self-regulation conceptual framework. We revealed that relationship self-regulation emerged as a process of regulation of intrapersonal emotional reactions to partner. Reflectivity in relationship self-regulation may be defined as focusing on oneself, trying to understand one’s own feelings and needs, experimenting to meet these needs, and exploring resources. The research focuses on the study of meaning making and on the reflection processes of partners in couple relationship self-regulation.

The aim of the qualitative study is A sample of 10 heterosexual couples, out of 15 applying for group psychological counseling was interviewed for narrative research. The findings revealed the . Other experience of the other person in couple when it differs from ones own, even emotional detachment and the comparative way differences were described as well as preference towards one's own point of view. These findings are discussed with reference to the importance of connectedness and dialogue in relationship emphasizing unrecognized, fused, distant, vaguely verbalized experiences of differences.

Despite the growing popularity of gender focused social studies in post soviet area, there is very little literature exploring what are the subjective, daily experiences of partnership in couples. The present study examined experiences of partnership among heterosexual couples which emerge through daily interactions. Phenomenological procedures were used to analyze the data. Themes were generated to delineate the descriptions of their experiences of partnership and understandings of how it affects their lives. The analysis of semi-structured interviews with both partners has shown that the questions that ask partners how they negotiate their financial and leisure time decisions, child care responsibilities and household raise issues of equal engagement and negotiation. The experiences of mutual emotional support uncover themes of closeness and autonomy. The consequences of their current arrangements disclosed feelings that are not always revealed and shared between partners. The study provides openings to consider the impact of multi-generational patterns, roles, and norms regarding gender. Study findings also suggest new research questions about how concept of partnership may serve as a discursive theme that emphasizes individual responsibility and may empower partners to amplify their ongoing changes from traditionally based patriarchal to open, diversity based way of relationship.