The Relationship Process in Healthy Couple Relationships: A Grounded Theory

This research focuses on the experiences of couples who self-identify as being part of a healthy relationship. Grounded theory, a form of qualitative research, was used to uncover the underlying relationship process in couple interactions. Six couples were interviewed for this study, using two rounds of interviews and a member check process. Results found that couples who were interviewed described their relationship in the context of security. Their relationship process consists of a circular relationship where one’s perceptions influence one’s expectations and how one interacts. When interactions meet the expectations in the relationship, the interactions confirm and strengthen the perceptions.