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Wifely submission: Psychological/spiritual growth perspectives

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Abstract

Wifely submission is reviewed from a perspective of psychological and spiritual health with regard to sociocultural arguments, pathological personal motives, and growth motives for submission. Four sociocultural arguments for wifely submission are discussed: social order, sociobiological opinions, maintenance of sexual differences, and scriptural authority. Pathological personal motives for submission assessed are security seeking, masochistic submission, neurotic love seeking, and manipulation. Growth bases considered are service to the partner, marital mutuality, overcoming personal faults, and vowed commitment to the spiritual life. Implications for marriage and premarital counseling are drawn.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mankato State University, Mankato, Minnesota

    Mary Jo Meadow Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training)

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  1. Mary Jo Meadow Ph.D.
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She is also engaged in the private practice of psychology, specializing in marriage/relationship counseling in the Minneapolis and Mankato areas.

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Meadow, M.J. Wifely submission: Psychological/spiritual growth perspectives. J Relig Health 19, 103–120 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01006423

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