擇偶歷程與婚前關係的形成與發展

本文嘗試以質性研究中深入訪談的方法，藉由對20對新婚夫妻的訪談，蒐集擇偶過程中男女雙方互動的資料。研究者以相遇前的醞釀、相遇的造成、及相遇後的發展三個主題歸納整理出婚前關係發展過程的模式。訪談資料顯示，多數受訪者對於未來配偶的想法較接近「理想伴侶說」的觀點——即受社會文化價值觀的影響，對未來配偶的生理及社會特質有某種程度的期待。其中男性較女性重視生理特質，女性則較男性重視心理及社會特質。環境的相近及中介者則是影響現代台灣男女婚姻關係開展的重要因素。親密關係的發展是雙方互動的結果，關係發展的速度與年齡、動機及其他影響關係進展因素：如個人、關係、社會網絡及環境或外力等因素有關。根據受訪夫妻的訪談資料，研究者將關係發展的型態分為六類，並探索本土擇偶歷程的文化特色（包括緣的概念及父母的影響）。最後，研究者從理論與實務的觀點討論本研究之價值與貢獻。

The purpose of this study is to conceptualize mate selection as an interpersonal process. Twenty Taiwanese newlyweds participated in semi-structured interviews, with the husband and wife in each couple interviewed separately. Interview were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The author divides the mate selection process into three stages (pre-encounter, encounter, and post-encounter). Interview data reveal that a majority of respondents' idea of future spouse was affected by the sociocultural values, with men emphasize physical traits whereas women put more importance to psychological and social traits. Environmental propinquity and intermediary by a third party are two important factors leading to encounter. Once the couples meet, their relationships do not develop following a specific trend or direction. Four factors, including individual, relational, social network and circunstantial, were found to affect the courses of the developing relationship. Six types of courtship pattern emerged. The findings were compared with those found in the western culture and indigenous concepts such as ''yuan'' and ''parental influence'' were explained. Implication of the study for theory building and for premarital education and counseling were also discussed.