Academia.eduAcademia.edu
European Journal of Social Sciences Studies ISSN: 2501-8590 ISSN-L: 2501-8590 Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/soc Volume 2 │ Issue 8 │ 2017 doi: 10.5281/zenodo.999740 RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY AS A COLLABORATIVE STYLE IN RESOLVING MARITAL CONFLICTS Amos Williams1i, Kate Anyawu2 National Open University of Nigeria, 1 Yola Study Centre, Army Barracks Road Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria 2 Federal College of Education Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria Abstract: Conflict in marriage like any other institution is inevitable. Conflicts between married couple are normal and not necessarily disruptive. However, conflict becomes disruptive based on the way and manner it is handled. Marital harmony is crucial to every society. Inability to resolve marital conflict appropriately can lead to devastating consequences not only to the family and the society but also to a nation as a whole. This paper discussed conflict, conflict resolution and models of approaching conflict resolution. It also discussed marriage, marital conflict and their causes. Lastly, the paper examined Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and how it can be used as a collaborative style in marital conflict resolution. Keywords: conflict, conflict resolution, collaboration, marital conflict, REBT 1. Introduction Marriage as an institution is the union of a man and a woman. Marriage relationship is a special kind of relationship that brings together two people from two different backgrounds to form a family. Marriage according to Girgis, George & Anderson, (2012) involves a comprehensive union of spouses, a special link to children and the norms of permanence and exclusivity. Girgis et al (2012) further asserted that the following are impossible in marriage: fulfilment in marriage without a regular outlet for Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved. © 2015 – 2017 Open Access Publishing Group 155 Amos Williams, Kate Anyawu RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY AS A COLLABORATIVE STYLE IN RESOLVING MARITAL CONFLICTS sexual release, meaningful intimacy without sex and fulfilling relationship without legal recognition. These qualities of marriage and the fact that the constituents of the institution come from different backgrounds, having differing likes and dislikes, habits, values interest etc., makes it such that conflict is inevitable. Conflicts between married couples are normal and not necessarily destructive. Where conflict is lacking in a marriage situation, then one or both spouses are being hypocritical and that in itself is a problem. Naturally, where there are differences, there must be disagreement which may lead to conflict. Conflicts properly handled, enhances the marriage relationship. For conflict to be deemed properly handled or resolved it must have been resolved in collaboration or a win-win approach (Kilmann & Thomas, 1975). This paper is concern with the use of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy as collaborative approach in resolving marital conflict. In this paper, the following were discussed: conflict, conflict resolution and conflict resolution styles. Marriage, marital conflict and its causes were also discussed. Lastly the paper examined Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and its application as a collaborative approach in resolving conflict resolution. For viewing / downloading the full article, please access the following link: https://oapub.org/soc/index.php/EJSSS/article/view/216 European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 2 │ Issue 8 │ 2017 156