In recent years, the evolving nature of marriage and relationship dynamics has garnered significant attention from sociologists, psychologists, and educators alike. A groundbreaking study by R.T. Altarawneh, soon to be published in BMC Psychology, delves deeply into the attitudes toward marriage among university students who are enrolled in family counseling courses. This research offers a fresh comparative lens through which we can observe shifting perspectives among the younger generation, who are poised to shape societal norms around intimate relationships and family life in the years to come.
The study is set against a backdrop of profound social transformations; from rising individualism to changing gender roles, and the increasing prioritization of personal fulfillment over traditional commitments, university students today provide a telling demographic for understanding the complexities of modern matrimony. By focusing specifically on students taking family counseling courses, Altarawneh’s research explores a unique cross-section of youth who are exposed to both theoretical and practical knowledge about family dynamics, possibly influencing their own attitudes and expectations.
One of the striking aspects of this study is its comparative nature. Rather than examining attitudes in isolation, the research contrasts viewpoints within different cultural or educational contexts. This methodology allows for a nuanced understanding of how educational exposure to family counseling materials might correlate with more progressive or conservative outlooks on marriage. For instance, it reveals how knowledge about family systems, conflict resolution, and communication strategies might empower students to approach marriage with a more realistic and informed mindset.
Technically, the study employs a robust mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. This dual methodology enhances the validity of the findings by capturing not only measurable attitudes but also the underlying reasons and emotional frameworks students associate with marriage. The quantitative data reveal patterns and general trends in opinion, while in-depth interviews provide rich narratives that illustrate the complexity and diversity of thought within this population.
Intriguingly, Altarawneh’s research highlights a discernible shift towards viewing marriage not merely as a social or economic institution but as a deeply personal and negotiated partnership. Students frequently emphasized the importance of compatibility, emotional intimacy, and mutual growth, framing marriage as a dynamic relationship rather than a static contract. This perspective marks a considerable departure from traditional views that often prioritized duty, procreation, or social expectation as primary drivers for marriage.
The impact of course content emerges as a significant variable influencing students’ attitudes. Those exposed to family counseling curricula exhibited a greater inclination to question stereotypical gender roles and traditional marital expectations. This educational exposure appears to foster critical thinking about the roles spouses play, the nature of communication, and approaches to conflict, which, in turn, could contribute to healthier long-term relational outcomes.
Moreover, the study addresses the influence of broader socio-cultural factors such as religion, ethnicity, and socio-economic background in shaping marital attitudes. While the family counseling educational context provides a counterbalance to some ingrained beliefs, these external factors still exert considerable influence on students’ perspectives. This intersectionality offers fertile ground for future research into how education mediates the interplay between individual belief systems and cultural traditions.
From a psychological standpoint, the study illuminates how expectations surrounding emotional support, autonomy, and identity integration within marriage are evolving. Students articulated a desire for partnerships that accommodate personal development and self-expression alongside commitment and responsibility. This dynamic suggests that marriage is increasingly conceptualized as a space for individual flourishing as well as shared endeavor.
One of the technical challenges faced by Altarawneh in conducting this research involved ensuring the representativeness of the sample despite the specialized population of family counseling students. By utilizing stratified sampling techniques and balancing demographic variables, the study maintains methodological rigor, allowing the findings to be cautiously generalized to a broader university student population with similar characteristics.
These insights carry significant implications for educators and policymakers. Embedding family counseling content in university curricula may be a potent way to cultivate healthy relational attitudes and reduce future family dysfunction. Understanding that attitudes toward marriage are malleable and responsive to education underscores the potential impact of intentional pedagogical strategies on societal well-being.
Furthermore, the longitudinal dimension of these attitudes warrants attention. As today’s university students transition into adulthood and begin forming families, their attitudes, shaped by counseling education, may translate into different marital behaviors and outcomes compared to prior generations. Tracking these trends over time could provide valuable data on the effectiveness of family counseling education in promoting resilient family units.
The study also invites reflection on the role of mental health awareness in shaping marital expectations. The integration of psychological principles in family counseling courses appears to support a holistic understanding of relationships, recognizing the interplay between individual mental health and relational dynamics. This biopsychosocial perspective is vital in an era where mental well-being is increasingly recognized as central to overall life satisfaction.
Another notable finding pertains to the negotiation of power within intimate relationships. Students in the study demonstrated heightened sensitivity to egalitarian principles and the importance of shared decision-making in marriage. Contrasting with patriarchal norms that persist in some cultures, this trend points to generational shifts toward more balanced relational models, potentially grounded in mutual respect and partnership.
Critically, the study refrains from idealizing these shifts, acknowledging ongoing tensions between traditional expectations and emerging relational ideals. Students articulated ambivalence in balancing respect for family heritage with desires for personal agency, underscoring the complexity of navigating cultural continuity and change. These tensions represent a fertile ground for family counselors working with young adults as they prepare for marriage.
Finally, Altarawneh’s work contributes to the growing scholarly dialogue advocating for interdisciplinary approaches that merge psychological, educational, and sociocultural perspectives to better understand family dynamics. By focusing on a population at the cusp of major life transitions, this research highlights the value of early intervention and education in shaping healthier marital attitudes that may reverberate across generations.
In sum, Altarawneh’s comparative exploration offers a comprehensive, technically rich, and deeply human portrayal of how university students, educated in family counseling, conceptualize marriage in an era of rapid social change. It affirms that attitudes toward marriage are neither fixed nor monolithic but are continuously constructed and reconstructed through education, cultural context, and personal reflection. The study’s implications extend beyond academe, hinting at pathways toward nurturing healthier families and, by extension, more resilient communities.
Subject of Research: Attitudes toward marriage among university students enrolled in a family counseling course.
Article Title: Attitudes toward marriage among university students enrolled in a family counseling course: a comparative study.
Article References:
Altarawneh, R.T. Attitudes toward marriage among university students enrolled in a family counseling course: a comparative study. BMC Psychol 13, 1046 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03343-2
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