Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Mark Sirkin, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Ruth Nirenberg, Psy.D.

Third Advisor

Chana Krupka, Ph.D.

Abstract

There is robust literature that supports the idea that maintaining a strong network of friends and social ties can help reduce the pressure on marriage and contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Additionally, George et al. (2023) found that friendships significantly impact relational satisfaction, across individual, family, and mutual friend groups. A regression analysis in their study revealed that family support for the relationship and liking the partner were the greatest predictors of satisfaction. There are approximately 2 million Jewish people in the Greater New York area and there has been a steady increase in the Jewish population since the 1950s (DellaPergola et al., 2022; Tighe et al., 2011). The impacts of outside friendships on marriage have been studied in a variety of populations and amalgamations, but never on a solely Orthodox Jewish population. This current study assessed friendships in groups of individual, mutual, and family on how they impact marital satisfaction in the Orthodox Jewish population. This was studied through quantitative survey data using the Marital Adjustment Test, Couples Satisfaction Index, the Friendship Network Satisfaction measure, as well as a demographics questionnaire that included questions about religious observance. Participants were recruited through online posts on social media across the Greater New York area. There were 98 (n=98) participants involved in the study. Understanding the relationship between friendships and marital satisfaction can guide culturally aligned therapeutic interventions for Orthodox Jewish couples. Research found a significant negative relationship between satisfaction with individual friendships and marital satisfaction. The findings created a significant distinction between the Orthodox Jewish population and the general population regarding marital satisfaction and social support.

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