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Article
Self-Esteem, Spiritual Well-Being, and Intimacy: A Comparison among Couples Using NFP and Oral Contraceptives
International Review
  • Richard Fehring, Marquette University
  • Donna M. Lawrence, Marquette University
  • Catherine M. Sauvage, Marquette University
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
10 p.
Publication Date
10-1-1989
Publisher
Human Life Center
Original Item ID
Shelves: RG136.5 .I57 Storage S
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the intimacy, spiritual well being (SWB), and self-esteem of couples using natural family planning (NFP) with those couples using oral contraceptives (OCs). 22 couples who were using the Creighton Model Ovulation Method of NFP for 1 year to avoid pregnancy were matched with 22 couples who were using OCs for a least a 1-year period and administered a SWB, self-esteem, and intimacy inventory. Student t-tests were calculated to determine differences in the mean scores of the 3 inventories between the 2 groups. The results showed that the NFP couples had statistically higher self-esteem (T=3.15, p0.01), SWB (T=4.25. p0.001), and intellectual intimacy (T=2.53, p0.05) than the OC couples. There were no differences in emotional, social, recreational, and sexual intimacy between the groups. Although the results provide some evidence that NFP can enhance a couple's relationship, other factors such as a sampling bias and educational levels could explain the difference.

Comments

Published version. International Review, Vol. 13, No. 3-4 (Fall/Winter 1989): 227-236. © 1989 Human Life Center.

Citation Information
Richard Fehring, Donna M. Lawrence and Catherine M. Sauvage. "Self-Esteem, Spiritual Well-Being, and Intimacy: A Comparison among Couples Using NFP and Oral Contraceptives" International Review (1989)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/richard_fehring/65/