Newlywed Reports of Social Support During Engagement: What Worked and What Failed

Abstract

This study investigated newlywed reports of social support during the engagement period via qualitative, in-depth interviews with 36 recently married heterosexual couples (N ¼ 72 total interviews). Specifically, the study examined what worked and what failed in the social support process for engaged couples. Overall, results revealed that helpful support is generally more plentiful during the engagement period than unhelpful support, and emotional support is the most prevalent of the various types of social support. The most common providers of social support to engaged individuals were family members and friends. Finally, the study revealed that most people felt a sense of perceived support in their social networks if they were in need of it at any point during their engagements. Keywords: Engagement; Interpersonal Communication; Marriage; Social Support The period of engagement is a significant stage of life for many couples. As a couple prepares for their upcoming marriage, they will likely experience multiple changes. These can include a physical move, adjustments in the management of finances, adaptation to and inclusion of additional family members (i.e., in-laws), and reassignments of regular household duties. Additionally, there are emotional changes Amber S. Messersmit