curiousHave you ever stayed in a relationship or marriage after you realized it was bad and/or failing?
Yes
25(78.1%)
No
6(18.8%)
Not sure
1(3.1%)
If so, what were your reasons for staying in one or more problematic relationships/marriages?
Still loving the person and not wanting to let go
15(12.5%)
Fear of hurting the person's feelings
7(5.8%)
Fear that the person might commit suicide if you leave
4(3.3%)
Financial security
8(6.7%)
Fear of you or the other person becoming homeless if you split up
2(1.7%)
Fear of losing friends or being judged if you leave
6(5.0%)
Feeling sorry for the person
9(7.5%)
Trying to stay together for the kid(s)
3(2.5%)
Fear of not being able to find someone else
10(8.3%)
Not wanting to be alone
12(10.0%)
Being worn down by abuse in the relationship (emotional, physical, and/or sexual)
8(6.7%)
Hoping that the good times will come back
14(11.7%)
Hoping that if you or the other person changes, things will get better
12(10.0%)
Still physically attracted to the person
8(6.7%)
None or other
2(1.7%)
Did you have any other reasons for staying in a problematic relationship that I didn't cover?
In your problematic or failing partnership(s), which steps were taken to address the problems?
Couples counseling
0(0.0%)
Individual therapy for one or more people in the relationship
6(7.6%)
Sex therapy
1(1.3%)
Self-help books or videos
2(2.5%)
Twelve-step programs
1(1.3%)
Talking to the person about the problems
17(21.5%)
Ultimatums
6(7.6%)
Vacations or retreats together
3(3.8%)
Time apart from each other
9(11.4%)
Asking friends or family members for advice
10(12.7%)
Talking to a pastor, priest, rabbi, or other religious leader
2(2.5%)
Getting a restraining order
0(0.0%)
Pressing charges
0(0.0%)
Breaking up
18(22.8%)
None or other
4(5.1%)
If you used any methods I didn't cover to address relationship problems, what were they?
What have been the outcome(s) of one or more problematic relationships? Check all that apply.
Breakup or divorce
20(57.1%)
Still together, even though things haven't improved
6(17.1%)
Still together, and the problems have improved or been solved
1(2.9%)
Still together, not sure if things are getting better
4(11.4%)
Breaking up and getting back together
3(8.6%)
Not sure
1(2.9%)
