WISDOM AND THE GOOD MARRIAGE

Abstract

The development of human beings takes place in close interaction with other people. Thus, it seems likely that relationships to others influence the development of wisdom. Especially in the context of long-term relationships and the life events that couples go through together, individuals’ personal development may be closely linked to that of their partners.

As a first step toward investigating the role of relationships in the development of wisdom, this study analyzed relationships between participants’ levels of wisdom and their views of a good relationship. A sample of 120 participants were interviewed about their views of a good relationship. Wisdom, wisdom-relevant resources, and relationship satisfaction were assessed using self-report and performance measures.

The results showed significant relationships between aspects of wisdom, especially those related to empathy, and relationship satisfaction. In their accounts of a good relationship, wiser individuals were more likely to emphasize acceptance of the other person’s individuality.