Psychology 409b,
February 22, 2007
Outline #2: The
Unity Model of Marriage
Adam Roberts
Instructor:
Dr. Leon James
Instructions
for this activity are found at: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy26/g26-oral1.htm
I.
The Conjoint Self
A. The conjoined self is a model of a couple that conjoins together in the
Unity model to form one interdependent being.
The couple achieves Unity on all level of the Threefold Self.
II. The Three Levels of Conjunction: The Three Levels of Conjunction involve all three levels of the Threefold Self.
A. First or Initial Level of Conjunction- Sensorimotor A
1. Conjunction on this level takes place when couples take part in physical activities together. Ex: Hiking, dancing, touching, and talking.
2. Though the couple in interacting in physical activities they are not necessarily in agreement in their way of thinking.
3. Same Sex Friendships: Men and women’s closest are of the same sex. Within these relationships they talk about their marriage.
a Men talk with their same sex friends about the difficulties faced in their relationship.
b Women talk with their same sex friends about how they are going to improve their relationship.
4. Sensorimotor Disjunction: This
term refers to activities or interactions that motivate in the opposite way of
conjunction and intimacy. Ex/ Man
raising his voice.
B. Second or Cognitive Level of Conjunction- Cognitive B
1. This level of conjunction involves the unification of the Cognitive Self of both the male and the female. The cognitive self encompasses the thoughts of the individual. Ex: Religious beliefs, morals, reason, justification.
2. The thoughts of the male and female are seen on an eye to eye level.
3. Male and Female roles on the Cognitive Level
a Male: Men have a tendency to resist this change by thinking they are losing their manhood. The man must focus on his wife as his partner till eternity.
b
Female: This phase is much easier for women as they
are more conjunction oriented.
C. Third or Affective Level of Conjunction- Affective C
1. The Affective Level of Conjunction is the most intimate of the Three Levels of Conjunction.
2. It requires conjoining feelings, motivations, and goals of happiness
and togetherness.
3. Any interdependence is lost in this phase. Feeling, loyalties and Goals that are not
conjoined are lost. Ex/ Guys night out, girls’
night out.
III. In conclusion, the process of achieving the conjoined self is one that
requires the couple to move forward as a unit not as individuals. Through this progression, the couple can
achieve marriage that will be eternal.
Related Links
1. Dr. Laura Schlessinger.
http://www.drlaura.com/main/: Schlessinger still spreading the word of the dominance
model of marriage.
2. Joshua
Coleman
http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com/:
This website has further information on Coleman’s study as well as a blog to discuss his work.