Family Assessment Tool: Interview Schedule for Understanding the Marital Relationship

Tool for exploring areas of marital conflict, issues with other family members, intergenerational issues, conflict resolution strategies/styles etc.

Interview Schedule: Understanding Marital Relationships

To explore areas of marital conflict, issues with other family members, intergenerational issues, conflict resolution strategies/styles and marital strengths

Opening Questions: General Information

1. Do I have your consent to take your interview for the purpose of ____?
2. What are your names?
3. How old are you?
4. What are your occupations?
5. What is your family type - Joint/Extended or Nuclear?

Relationship History

1. How long have you been married?
2. Briefly describe how you met (love/arranged) and what initially drew you to each other.
3. Do you have any children? If yes: How old are they?

Conflict and its Resolution

1. What are some common areas of disagreement or conflict in your relationship? (e.g., religious beliefs, political orientation, finances, in-laws, work/jobs, parenting approach)
2. Can you share a specific example of a recent conflict and how you two handled it?
3. What conflict resolution styles do each of you tend to adopt during disagreements? (accommodating, avoiding, compromising, collaborating, and competing)
4. How would you describe your typical conflict resolution process? Who usually initiates it?
5. Do you feel heard and understood by your partner during disagreements?
6. Have there been instances where unresolved conflicts from the past – few years back - resurfaced later on? If yes, how did you handle them?
7. Are there any communication challenges you experience as a couple? (e.g., expressing needs, active listening)
8. How do you ensure clear and effective communication with your partner, especially during conflicts? 
9. Do you communicate openly and honestly about your feelings and needs with each other?

Intergenerational and Family Related Issues

1. How would you describe your relationship with each other's family of origin?
2. Have you experienced any intergenerational issues or challenges or conflicts related to family expectations or traditions?
3. How do you navigate the involvement of your families of origin in your relationship – their roles and expectations? How does that impact your relationship?
4. Have you experienced any concerns or conflicts with other family members (extended family, in-laws, etc.)? If yes, how do you handle such situations?
5. In case of conflicts between one of you, or you as a couple and one of the families or family members, who takes the initiative to resolve it? Is there an elder, or authority figure in the family?
6. Do you have complete independence to make decisions about your family unit? (ex: career of children, parenting approach, etc.)
7. How do you and your partner prioritise self-care and personal well-being while also caring for your family?

Marital Strengths

1. What role does intimacy play in your relationship, and how do you maintain it?
2. Did you face any major life transitions or events that affected your marriage? If so, how did you navigate them together?
3. Despite the challenges, what are some things you appreciate about your partner and your relationship?
4. What are the main sources of satisfaction and happiness in your marriage? Any activities that you perform together?
5. What, according to you, are the biggest factors contributing to maintenance of your marriage?

Closing Questions

1. Is there anything else related to marital conflict, communication, or your relationship that you would like to share?

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