ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the results of an exploratory study that investigated the development and establishment of the spousal subsystem in remarriage following divorce. The strengths of nonclinical couples were also investigated. Data were gathered by analyzing videotaped in-depth interviews of 10 remarried couples, all of whom were in their second or subsequent marriage following divorce. The mean length of time of the remarriages was 7.8 years. The developmental tasks of the remarriage process including first marriage, divorce, and courting, were recounted by 20 remarried husbands and wives. The findings indicated the individuals experienced increasing differentiation and supportive relationships with their families of origin during the divorce/remarriage cycle. The stages of courting and early remarriage emerged as themes that described developmental sequences of experiences that were reflective of individual and couple tasks during each of the periods. As the tasks of the early period of remarriage were completed, each spousal subsystem gradually experienced a recoupling process, that is, perceived the occurrence of an emotional bonding. The relationship patterns that evolved were representative of the period of stabilized established remarriage. The strengths of the remarried couples in the study emerged in the following themes: couple focusing, positive attitudes towards change, mutual acceptance of differences between the spouses, self-awareness, marital conflicts viewed as learning experiences, and minimal illusions of remarriage. Implications for counselors, family-life educators, and therapists who work with remarried couples or couples who are considering remarriage following divorce are suggested.
