Abstract

The current study, based on retrospectives data, studied perceived changes in intimate relationship during marriage years and reasons for divorcing. 190 separated or divorced Italian subjects (114 women and 76 men) living in North-Italy areas participated at the study. Measures of quality of marital relation and reasons of divorcing have been collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that people reported significant changes in quality of marital relation during marriage years. With respect to perceived reasons of marital separation, women tend to report more marital difficulties than men. All participants blame the divorce on relational reasons (such as lack of love and lack of commitment) more than external or individual reasons. Theoretical and clinical implications based on these results are discussed.