Reconceptualising Spousal Character Formation: Integrating Islamic Ethical Thought and Western Developmental Theory

Abstract

Contemporary research in family studies increasingly highlights the importance of spousal character as a core determinant of marital satisfaction, relational stability, and long-term family well-being. Despite this growing recognition, scholarly engagement with the theoretical foundations of character formation in marriage remains limited, particularly in Muslim contexts where ethical frameworks are deeply rooted in religious tradition. Existing discussions often treat Islamic and Western perspectives as separate domains, leaving a conceptual gap in understanding how these traditions might complement each other in shaping moral behaviour within marital life. Addressing this gap, the present article examines the concept of spousal character formation through an integrative analysis of Islamic ethical thought and Western developmental theory, grounded exclusively in a qualitative document analysis of classical and contemporary texts. Relevant sources were selected through works in Islamic ethics and foundational literature in developmental psychology, followed by systematic content analysis to identify recurring concepts, thematic patterns, and conceptual divergences. The findings demonstrate that both traditions provide complementary insights into the moral dispositions that shape marital interaction, relational stability, and family well-being. Building on these insights, the proposed Integrated Character Formation Framework synthesises classical Islamic ethical principles with contemporary psychological theory, offering a holistic model for understanding how spouses develop the virtues, competencies, and relational behaviours essential for marital harmony. This interdisciplinary and textually grounded approach contributes to social science discourse by broadening theoretical conceptions of character formation and offering a culturally relevant foundation for future empirical and theoretical research on marital and family dynamics.