Processes Linking Shared Spiritual Practices, Spiritual Intimacy, and Sanctification of Marriage to Attachment to Spouse and Relationship Satisfaction.

The article examines how shared spiritual practices among Catholic couples, such as praying together and discussing spiritual topics, relate to attachment to spouse and relationship satisfaction, with sanctification of marriage and spiritual intimacy as mediating factors. Findings indicate that proximal spiritual practices are more strongly associated with positive relationship outcomes than distal practices like denominational homogamy. Sanctification of marriage directly predicts relationship satisfaction, particularly for couples sharing the same Catholic denomination, while spiritual intimacy influences satisfaction indirectly through secure attachment to the spouse. The study highlights the importance of engaging in shared spiritual behaviors to foster relational resilience and secure attachment, offering implications for faith-based relationship education and counseling.