Self-esteem, spiritual well-being, and intimacy: a comparison among couples using NFP and oral contraceptives

Int Rev. 1989 Fall-Winter;13(3-4):227-36.

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Americas
  • Behavior
  • Contraception
  • Contraception Behavior
  • Contraceptives, Oral*
  • Demography*
  • Developed Countries
  • Family Planning Services*
  • Health Planning
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • North America
  • Ovulation Detection*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Perception
  • Population
  • Psychology*
  • Research
  • Self Concept*
  • United States

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral