A marriage enrichment program based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

M.A.The divorce rate in South Africa has reached alarming proportions. In 1994 alone, 29 878 divorces were reported in South Africa, and a total of 38 367 children were traumatised by these divorces. Despite this, most people still marry, or want to marry. Marriage is one of the most important and meaningful relationships we can have as human beings. It enriches our lives and provides fulfillment and companionship. Many couples entering into the marital relationship are not aware of the demands of marriage, and especially of the demands of modern marriages where marital roles are new and different. Marriage enrichment is a movement to help couples.to respond to these demands. Enrichment programs teach partners interpersonal skills and build empathetic respect between individuals within the marital relationship. Although there are many marriage enrichment programs currently in use, there seems to be not one in South Africa that is based on the concepts of personality type differences. The aim of this study was to develop a marriage enrichment program based on the concepts of personality type, as indicated by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The focus was to educate couples in personality type differences, thereby creating self-awareness and awareness of others, and enabling them to better understand themselves and their spouses. The program was designed and developed and then trial-tested on two groups of volunteers consisting of two couples in each group. Feedback received yielded positive results, and the participants found the program to be useful and valuable in their own relationships