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.

Comments

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

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