CCOU 301
RESEARCH PAPER: FINAL ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
After gathering research information and beginning to organize it, you will fully explain and
express information in a written and logical manner. Within the field of counseling, you will be
given a plethora of information that needs to be interpreted, sifted, and studied. The skill of
taking in information, reprocessing, and then communicating effectively are qualities that can
make a good counselor. The Research Paper: Final Assignment is a chance for you to not only
learn through the research, but intake and incorporate it into your bank of knowledge. It is a
wonderful opportunity for you to practice relating information subjectively as you relate research
findings.
INSTRUCTIONS
You will write an 8-page Research Paper on a major topic approved by your instructor and found
within your course textbooks. You will choose a topic and augment your research by using at
least 8 professional references in addition to the textbook and the Bible. Papers will be graded on
the basis of content, clarity, flow, use of resources, interpretations, and conclusions. Citations are
expected to be used liberally. See the Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric and the
requirements below to assess grading priorities before beginning this Research Paper: Final
Assignment.
Research Paper: Final Assignment Requirements:
● 8 pages (does not include title page and reference page).
● Current APA approved font.
● Written in current APA format.
● Written in 3rd person point of view.
● Address a topic that is applicable to the course textbooks and the field of marriage and
family counseling.
o Personal testimonies are not an acceptable topic. This paper must address a topic
or issue that can be academically researched.
● Title page and reference page are required, all adhering to current APA format.
● Must have a minimum of 8 outside sources published within the past 5 years and also
include references to the textbook and the Bible.
o Note: A total of 10 sources are needed. Outside sources should be peer-reviewed
journal articles or books written on the topic.
● References must be properly cited in the body of the paper, as well as on the reference
page, using current APA format.
● Refer to the Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric for additional detailed
requirements.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
C R P
Introduction/Conclusion 20 to >17.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
content requirements:
Is there a clear thesis
statement? What is
the topic being
addressed? Does the
introduction provide a
clear overview of the
paper’s contents?
Does the conclusion
offer a good summary
of the issues
presented in the
paper? Does the
conclusion offer
suggestions for further
study?
17 to >13.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
content requirements:
Is there a clear thesis
statement? What is the
topic being
addressed? Does the
introduction provide a
clear overview of the
paper’s contents?
Does the conclusion
offer a good summary
of the issues
presented in the
paper? Does the
conclusion offer
suggestions for further
study?
13 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the content
requirements: Is there
a clear thesis
statement? What is the
topic being addressed?
Does the introduction
provide a clear
overview of the paper’s
contents? Does the
conclusion offer a good
summary of the issues
presented in the
paper? Does the
conclusion offer
suggestions for further
study?
0 pts
Not
Present
20 pts
Main Content 155 to >139.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
content requirements:
Are the issues raised
in the topic properly
treated? Are differing
viewpoints
considered, analyzed,
and properly treated?
Is the analysis
thorough? Is the
content adequately
supported by research
from sources
published within the
past 5 years?
139 to >108.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
content requirements:
Are the issues raised
in the topic properly
treated? Are differing
viewpoints considered,
analyzed, and properly
treated? Is the
analysis thorough? Is
the content adequately
supported by research
with sources published
within the past 5
years?
108 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the content
requirements: Are the
issues raised in the
topic properly treated?
Are differing viewpoints
considered, analyzed,
and properly treated?
Is the analysis
thorough? Is the
content adequately
supported by research
with sources published
within the past 5
years?
0 pts
Not
Present
155
pts
Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | CCOU301_B01_202230
C R P
APA formatting 20 to >17.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
structure
requirements: Does
the paper use current
APA format correctly?
Is the paper 8–10
pages, not including
the title page, and
reference page? Are
there any other issues
with the paper’s
adherence to current
APA style?
17 to >13.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
structure
requirements: Does
the paper use current
APA format correctly?
Is the paper 8–10
pages, not including
the title page, and
reference page? Are
there any other issues
with the paper’s
adherence to current
APA style?
13 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the structure
requirements: Does the
paper use current APA
format correctly? Is the
paper 8–10 pages, not
including the title page,
and reference page?
Are there any other
issues with the paper’s
adherence to current
APA style?
0 pts
Not
Present
20 pts
Grammar and
Sentence Structure 20 to >17.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
structure
requirements: Are the
transitions between
paragraphs and
sections clear? Is the
assignment
grammatically correct?
Are headings used to
organize major
points? Is the
treatment of the topic
logically oriented? Are
there little to no
spelling errors
present?
17 to >13.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
structure
requirements: Are the
transitions between
paragraphs and
sections clear? Is the
assignment
grammatically correct?
Are headings used to
organize major points?
Is the treatment of the
topic logically
oriented? Are there
little to no spelling
errors present?
13 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the structure
requirements: Are the
transitions between
paragraphs and
sections clear? Is the
assignment
grammatically correct?
Are headings used to
organize major points?
Is the treatment of the
topic logically oriented?
Are there little to no
spelling errors present?
0 pts
Not
Present
20 pts
Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | CCOU301_B01_202230
C R P
Citations 35 to >31.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
content requirements:
Do citations on the
reference page match
citations in-text? Are
proper in-text citations
present (ex: Smith,
2021)? Are quotations
introduced within
sentences? Does the
paper avoid starting
sentences with
quotes? Are long
quotes formatted
correctly and used
sparingly?
31 to >24.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
content requirements:
Do citations on the
reference page match
citations in-text? Are
proper in-text citations
present (ex: Smith,
2021)? Are quotations
introduced within
sentences? Does the
paper avoid starting
sentences with
quotes? Are long
quotes formatted
correctly and used
sparingly?
24 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the content
requirements: Do
citations on the
reference page match
citations in-text? Are
proper in-text citations
present (ex: Smith,
2021)? Are quotations
introduced within
sentences? Does the
paper avoid starting
sentences with quotes?
Are long quotes
formatted correctly and
used sparingly?
0 pts
Not
Present
35 pts
Total Points: 250
Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | CCOU301_B01_202230
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 1
Research Paper: Healing and Hope in Marriage
Name
Date
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 2
Research Paper: Healing and Hope in Marriage
Introduction
In many relationships, particularly early ones, one or both individuals believe that having
other partners or temporarily living apart is the simplest solution to an issue they cannot resolve.
But there is a huge impact on relationship issues, such as the children being in danger, the entire
family has been shattered, and the neighborhood and community members. Also, society as a
whole is likely to experience the repercussions of issues in a marriage of one couple. Therefore,
there is a belief that every married person should know that there is a method to solve any
problem and hopefully maintain the marriage. Also, another belief is that a marriage must be
both restorative and optimistic (Clinton & Sibcy, 2006).
We must take the crucial step of forgiving another person. Everyone is invited to
participate in the process of forgiving one another (Clinton, 2009). To go properly along this
path, the married couple must prioritize intense couples counseling (Tanaka-Matsumi, 2019).
Regardless of whether a sexual assault occurred, if a couple works hard to maintain their
marriage, they can restore some of the lost faith in their relationship. The recovery will be
enhanced if you recognize the significance of giving yourself hope and are prepared to listen to
others without passing judgment on what they say (Wilson, 2018). Moreover, to allow
themselves to reconcile and maintain a healthy marriage, the couple must find a manner to
communicate that works best for them (Bragg & Bragg, 2015).
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 3
Importance of Marriage
Marriage has existed from the beginning of time when God created the universe and
everything in it. It was God’s method of ensuring that everything was in order. Sin shattered the
marriage, and since then, the institution of marriage has had to battle the shackles of separation
and the dissolution of the family (Rindfuss & VandenHeuvel, 2019). Each spouse must
recognize that this cycle may be changed by taking particular measures toward healing and hope.
No one can doubt that a war is being waged against the institution of marriage, nor can they deny
that the most essential tie between spouses is the chain of divorce, which ultimately leads to their
separation. In this research, we will try to provide a means of escaping these constraints.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem, and strong relationships and families are not ones
in which there are never any disagreements but rather ones that can overcome any issue that
arises (Balswick & Balswick, 2014).
Christian Marriages
Many married people, even Christians, believe divorce is the simplest solution to an
intractable problem. However, despite the seeming simplicity of this approach, it harms the
father, mother, and children by causing them to question how marriage and the family function
(Simpson, 2020). According to the proverb, numbers never lie. Think about the following: 35%
of married people end up obtaining a divorce, and 18% of those individuals have been through it
many times. The divorce rate among Christians is comparable to that of non-Christians (Clinton,
and Ohlschager, 2005). This would be one of the potential outcomes if the Christian
understanding of marriage diverged from the Bible in favor of a more conventional or modern
perspective.
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 4
In his book “The Family,” Balswick describes marriage as a commitment between two
individuals, a contract for self-fulfillment, and a commitment to an institution from traditional,
contemporary, and modern perspectives. First, Christian marriage must maintain its position in
the biblical view of marriage, prioritizing grace, empowerment, and connection (Balswick &
Balswzick, 2014). Every marriage, particularly Christian marriages in which both spouses know
and follow Jesus, must fight to break the cycle of divorce. Moreover, “Jesus Christ said in John
10:10, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (New International Version,
1978/2011).
Injuring souls
Forgiveness is one of the most crucial things a married couple can do to prevent growing
apart. Unfortunately, the husband and wife both have “soul injuries” due to separate causes. Due
to this injury, they become enraged and resentful of one another, making it hard for them to
forgive. The framework of marriage is disintegrating, while the ties of separation are
strengthening. People have a responsibility to recognize how they have harmed one another, as
the adversary has only come to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10) (New International
Version, 1978/2011).
According to Clinton and Sibcy (2006), a terrible incident can significantly damage a
person’s spirit. These injuries might occur when a wife or husband wants their partner to be there
for them but cannot for different reasons. Also, they assert that soul injury occurs when the
individual who is expected to provide safety, security, and love is absent (Clinton & Sibcy,
2006). Sadly, these interactions can trigger more than anxiety, fear, grief, or rage. According to
Susan Johnson, “the impact of the injuries may persist and manifest later in the marriages of the
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 5
injured parties” (Johnson et al., 2001, 145-155). Therefore, it is essential to inform the married
couple that even if the adversary attempts to steal, kill, and ruin their marriage, Jesus Christ has
come to break every chain of destruction. Jesus is here to repair whatever damage they may have
caused to one another during their marriage.
Forgiveness and Healing
For the married couple to take the first step in healing themselves and their relationship,
they must be prepared to forgive one another. One method to begin the healing process is for the
person who wronged you to acknowledge and accept responsibility for your actions, attitude, and
attempts to apologize (Gottman, 1999). In his book “The Marriage Clinic: A Scientifically Based
Marital Therapy,” he emphasizes that the couple must confront their pain. According to him, the
capacity of a couple to resolve issues when they arise is a key indicator of the strength of their
relationship. Despite the initial difficulty, couples who choose to heal their injuries will be the
ones who can reunite (Gottman, 1999).
In addition, everyone witnessed how much Jesus’ forgiveness meant to the woman
caught in the act of adultery, and everyone was motivated to forgive. Jesus let her go even
though religious authorities demanded her blood (Clinton & Ohlschager, 2005). Through marital
therapy, a married couple can learn how to forgive one other in a good manner (Aalgaard et al.,
2016). Clinton asserts that American Association of Christian Counselors members endorse and
employ Christian cognitive-behavioral therapy. This practice includes the learning and the
process of examining, acknowledging, and eliminating all types of negative thinking. The
individuals opt instead to think positively and believe biblical truths (Clinton & Ohlschager,
2005).
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 6
According to the Bible, “2 Corinthians 17:17, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has
come: the old has gone, the new is here.” (New International Version (1978/2011), After the
Christian counselor demonstrates that their marriage can be restored through Christ, the couple
can acknowledge the problematic aspects of their relationship and apply biblical principles to
restore it. Certainly, this is one method for the couple to forgive and move on from the past. To
break free from the bonds of devastation, the married couple must understand they need advice
and assistance from the proper individuals. The couple must surround themselves with other
couples that are optimistic, loving, caring, and secure so they have someone to depend on
(Brothers, 1993).
The New International Version of Proverbs 12:26 states, “The righteous choose their
friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul
instructs the Christian community to do this, “Do not be deceived; Evil company ruins good
morals” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). People in the vicinity of a troubled marriage
must demonstrate love, trust, and compassion to the husband and wife, who are both in misery. It
is described in the book “Caring for People God’s Way” with whom the unhappy couple should
associate. Christians are known for their generosity and readiness to forgive. People who are
always motivated to forgive others, regardless of the circumstances. Beneficiaries of God’s
generosity and compassion (Clinton et al., 2005).
Importance of counseling techniques
People who take the Bible seriously and strive to live following its teachings daily and
who recognize that God’s grace and love are the only means of forgiving someone totally and
moving on with life. Clinton argues in the following remark that therapy cannot help individuals
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 7
forgive any more than a physician can cure the body (Clinton et al., 2005). Moreover, according
to Clinton et al. (2005), you must have confidence that if therapy approaches are combined with
sincere believers, God will intervene to assist the struggling marriage, and the chains of
separation will begin to loosen. One individual asserts that the couple has a high chance of
preserving their marriage if they receive marriage therapy based on Christ’s teachings and are
surrounded by those who will support and assist them in returning to the road of mutual
forgiveness.
When the couple agrees to seek counseling and associate with positive individuals to give
themselves a chance to save their marriage, hope is reignited, and the process of saving the
marriage may begin (Finnegan, 2016). If there is still hope, nothing negative or undesirable can
terminate a marriage. The couple can fight for their marriage even if one spouse has been
unfaithful. Cheating may be the one factor that causes the greatest damage to a relationship.
Jesus forgave the lady who was caught in the action of infidelity. According to the book “Hope
after Betrayal,” a couple that has allowed hope to flourish will be able to receive God’s grace in
their hearts and lives, as well as provide grace to one another. As the river of Living Water
begins to flow, gratitude and humility fill the heart (Wilson, M. 2018).
Hope in Marriage
When there is a greater probability of marriage survival, it is simpler to recognize the
enemy’s falsehoods and wrong schemes. When love and forgiveness are consistently displayed
in a marriage, even the most difficult issues appear less significant (Cohen, 2016). Wilson asserts
that God’s grace is completely opposed to His wrath. It is a gift they do not deserve, allowing
them to assist God in accomplishing via their marriage what they could never do on their own
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 8
(Wilson, M. 2018). After allowing the Bible to speak to their hearts, surrounding themselves
with decent people, and attending treatment, they are well on their way to achieving their
objectives. The seeds of a successful and well-tailored communication system begin to germinate
as soon as there is a glimpse of hope (Lewis, 1997).
As the couple continues to receive hope and joy from God, they understand that if they
continue to place their confidence in God in the same manner, they will be able to solve any
difficulty. According to “Jeremiah 29:11, God understands that His plans are the optimal means
for his children to mature and have hope for the future” (New International Version (1978/2011).
If they trust this promise, they may rest certain that God’s original plan for marriage will
eventually be realized. Also, knowing they are surrounded by decent individuals who share their
aspirations brings them great comfort. The two individuals may choose that splitting up is not the
best nor the simplest option.
Communication in marriage
As the couple improves their communication, they should keep in mind that, according to
“Making love last a lifetime,” “a solid relationship with Jesus Christ is the cornerstone to a great
marriage” (Hamilton, 2004). For a marriage to be successful, both partners must have a genuine,
reliable connection with God. If not, it would be restrained by different wrongdoings. According
to Hamilton (2004), being in love is not a prerequisite for marriage. It is instead part of God’s
plan. It is a calling or mission when two individuals agree with God to carry out their respective
responsibilities in the world. It is essential to maintain a relationship with God. Married couples
must worship God together. It is the ideal approach for couples to develop a healthy
communication style that keeps them in direct contact with God (David & Stafford, 2015).
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 9
Maintaining open and comfortable communication with each other and a trustworthy
bond with third parties, such as their marriage counselor, is crucial if they wish to remain
optimistic. According to Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your
mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those
who listen” (New International Version (1978/2011). When one person in a relationship ceases
to communicate with God, the other person, their marriage counselor, or trustworthy friends and
family, the first link in the chain of detachment is strengthened. Once a couple has a cause to be
hopeful, it is their responsibility to maintain that optimism. Another scripture translates Romans
15:13 as follows: “As you believe, may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace” (New
International Version (1978/2011).
Conclusion
For things to improve, the husband and wife must be persistent, patient, receive honest
Christian counseling, pray frequently, and fast. Put your faith in God’s promise that He will be
good, and don’t forget that all Christ-followers have been given the spirit of courage,
compassion, and sound judgment. After letting go of their anger and understanding they must
discuss their issues with the appropriate parties, the couple will realize that divorce is not an
option. The couple will see that there is genuine hope for the future. As the relationship recovers
and gains optimism, they will understand that divorce is not an option. When a married couple
learns to communicate meaningfully, the family will have a stronger foundation and be able to
withstand impending storms.
References
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 10
Aalgaard, R. A., Bolen, R. M., & Nugent, W. R. (2016). A literature review of forgiveness as a
beneficial intervention to increase relationship satisfaction in couples therapy. Journal of
Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 26(1), 46-55.
Balswick, J. O. & Balswick, J. K. (2014). The family: A Christian perspective on the
contemporary home. Baker Academic.
Bragg, C., & Bragg, P. (2015). Marriage on the mend: Healing your relationship after crisis,
separation, or divorce. Kregel Publications.
Brothers, B.J. (1993). Couples therapy, multiple perspectives: In search of universal threads.
Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-como.ezproxy.liberty.edu
Clinton, T. (2009). Caring for People God’s Way: Personal and emotional issues, Addictions,
Grief, and Trauma. Thomas Nelson.
Clinton, T., & Sibcy, G. (2006). Why you do the things you do: The secret to healthy
relationships. Thomas Nelson.
Clinton, T., Hart, A., Ohlschlager, G. (2005). Caring for People God’s Way: Personal and
emotional issues, addictions, grief, and trauma. Thomas Nelson Publisher.
Cohen, M. T. (2016). An exploratory study of individuals in non-traditional, alternative
relationships: How “open” are we?. Sexuality & Culture, 20(2), 295-315.
David, P., & Stafford, L. (2015). A relational approach to religion and spirituality in marriage:
The role of couples’ religious communication in marital satisfaction. Journal of Family
Issues, 36(2), 232-249.
RESEARCH PAPER: HEALING AND HOPE IN MARRIAGE 11
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
Finnegan, A. C. (2016). For keeps: Marriages that last a lifetime. Routledge.
https://doiorg.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4324/9781315293370
Gottman, J. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. W. W. Norton.
Hamilton, A. (2004). Making love last a lifetime: Biblical perspectives on love, marriage, and
sex. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu
Johnson, S. & Makine, J. A. & Milikin, J. W. (2001). Attachment injuries in couple
relationships: A new perspective on impasses in couple’s therapy,” Journal of marital
and family therapy.
Lewis, J.M. (1997). Marriage is a search for healing. Retrieved from
https://ebookcentralproquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu
New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978).
Rindfuss, R. R., & VandenHeuvel, A. (2019). Cohabitation: A precursor to marriage or an
alternative to being single?. In The changing American family (pp. 118-142). Routledge.
Simpson, B. (2020). Changing families: An ethnographic approach to divorce and separation.
Routledge.
Tanaka‐Matsumi, J. (2019). Culture and Psychotherapy: Searching for an Empirically‐Supported
Relationship. Cross‐Cultural Psychology: Contemporary Themes and Perspectives, 482-
497.
Outline
Research Paper: Healing and Hope in Marriage
Introduction
Importance of Marriage
Christian Marriages
Injuring souls
Forgiveness and Healing
Importance of counseling techniques
Hope in Marriage
Communication in marriage
Conclusion
References
