Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
Fall 1989
Publisher
Human Life Center
Source Publication
International Review
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.
Recommended Citation
Fehring, Richard; Lawrence, Donna M.; and Sauvage, Catherine M., "Self-Esteem, Spiritual Well-Being, and Intimacy: A Comparison among Couples Using NFP and Oral Contraceptives" (1989). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 338.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/338
Comments
Published version. International Review, Vol. 13, No. 3-4 (Fall/Winter 1989): 227-236. © 1989 Human Life Center.