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Short psychotherapeutic intervention

on pathology borders and fight for
power: A case study

Article in Journal of Psychological and Educational Research May 2014

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Tudor-tefan Rotaru
Universitatea de Medicina si Farma
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Iuliana Petrov
Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza
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Volume 22, Issue 1
May, 2014
J.P.E.R.

JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
AND
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

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Print in May 31, 2014

Journal of Psychological and
Educational Research

Vol. 22, No. 1, May, 2014

CONTENTS
_____________________

Authenticity and well-being among European and Eurasian 7-15

young adults
Stevens, M. J., & Constantinescu, P. M.

Adaptation of Cognitive Style Indicator: Validity and reliability 16-25

studies of the indicator
Aslan, S., & Gelbal, S.

Emotional intelligence versus emotional competence 26-33

Vaida, S., & Opre, A.

The illusion of social class identity and academic performance: 34-56

Exploring the role of father education as an indicator of
socioeconomic status
Sinha, C., & Mishra, A. K.

Short psychotherapeutic intervention on pathology borders and 57-71

fight for power: A case study
Rotaru, T. ., & Petrov, I.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

JPER.Journal@gmail.com
http://www.socioumane.ro/index.php/periodice/399-journal-of-psychological-and-
educational-research
Journal of Psychological and
Educational Research
JPER - 2014, 22 (1), May, 57-71
_____________________________________________________________

SHORT PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION ON

PATHOLOGY BORDERS AND FIGHT FOR POWER: A
CASE STUDY

Tudor-tefan Rotaru Iuliana Petrov

University Alexandru-Ioan Cuza of Iai, Romania

Abstract
This case study presents a psychotherapeutic intervention with a young married couple. The
main complaints refer to communication difficulties, and the parents-in-laws involvement in
couples life. The systemic conceptualization reveals a borders pathology and individuals fight
for power. The wife presents an ambivalence concerning the relation with her husband. In 13
months after the last session, the couple hadnt had major communications difficulties; a
meaningful change had been initiated in their life.

Keywords: clinical case study, systemic psychotherapy, borders, ambivalence

Introduction

The purpose of this case study is to describe the therapeutic

interventions included in eight therapy sessions that stimulated change in a
young couple. Its difficulties were caused by the beginning of a new life stage
due to the babys arrival and parents involvement. The case draws attention to
specific strategies that can be used when clinicians confront with a mixture of

Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to:

Ph.D., Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences,
Department of Psychology. Toma Cozma Street, no. 3, Iai, 700554, Romania. E-mail:
t_rotaru@yahoo.com

Master, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences,
Department of Psychology. Toma Cozma Street, no. 3, Iai, 700554, Romania. E-mail:
iuliana_petrov@yahoo.com

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___________________________________________________________________

fight for power and fused borders in a family system. The presented case is
successful due to the motivation of the partners to participate in therapy and the
therapeutic relationship.

Main complaints

Rzvan and Ioana Vian (26 and 24 years old) came together in therapy
after Rzvan had already come alone in therapy on 28th of February. They are
lawyers in training and have been married for one year and a half. Rzvan and
Ioana have a little boy for one year-old. The clients live in a different city away
from the therapist (200 km ride). Both are very angry on each other. They
stated that their relationship had become worse: We are arguing for no
reason. In the last period, when the young couple was fighting, the parents
were involved. They arrived promptly at the childrens home and a huge
conflict appeared where everybody was involved. The departure of Ioana with
her child in her parents house had made things worse.
The therapist was contacted by Rzvans father, an ex-soldier and a
father-in-law admired by Ioana:My father-in-law picked you, so I trust him.
He was the one who made the appointment, but at the therapists proposal to
call one member of the couple, the husband contacted the therapist one day
later.
The couple gave examples that resemble with a continue fight for
power: Who is right? or Who is more stronger? Also, complaints
concerning sexual life arose, along with husbands drinking. The baby was
brought in discussion, in the sense that only Ioanas parents spent time with
him, but not Rzvans.

Personal and social history of the couple

Rzvan is the only child in his family and has a tense relationship with
his father (51 years old) and a better communication with his mother (51 years
old). Ioana is the older sister of a 20 years old brother. The couple has a good
financial status. The husband works in his fathers company, and the wife has a
personal business (see Figure 1). Both are from the same city. It was love at the
first sight, although it was a moment when Rzvan wasnt sure if he had
wanted to continue this relationship. From the moment he found out that Ioana

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___________________________________________________________________

was pregnant, till the moment she gave birth to their child, many unpleasant
events took place in their life, along with diverse conflicts. These included
doubts if the wedding should even take place. Rzvan believed that a woman
should follow her husband, and consequently, he wanted that his future wife to
move in his parents house. From the beginning, parents from both sides
mengled in couples life. They are very caring, states Ioana about her parents
and her parents-in-law.

Figure 1. The extended family genogram of Razvan and Ioana

Elements of clinical evaluation

Observations and interview

From a psychological point of view, Ioana presents an ambivalence
concerning the relationship with her husband. On one hand she states that: If
the child wasnt born, we wouldnt have stayed together which gives the
initial impression that nothing unites them. On the other hand, in some other
context, she states: I wished Rzvan as my husband, When he is at work I
miss him very much. This shows a certain amount of uncertainty about their
relationship. She describes herself as an anxious and depressed person: I am

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___________________________________________________________________

depressed, sad, I feel stressed, nervous. Through the escalating stress

technique, Ioana was asked if she had taken into account the possibility of a
divorce. Her negative answer proves that she doesnt really desire a definitive
separation from Rzvan. Furthermore, there is a refusal to realize the first task
proposed by the therapist, in which she had to describe how the perfect husband
should behave. This suggests the fact that, in an unconsciously manner, Ioana is
satisfied with the current situation and she doesnt want to change anything.
The therapy is, initially, disregarded. During therapy sessions, Ioana switches
behavior and becomes active in realizing the tasks. By requesting an individual
session, the patient proves an attempt to manipulate the therapist, saying that
she isnt capable of generating a positive change in their life.
Rzvan is described by her partner as a perfectionist person: He is a
perfectionist man, being engaged in household chores. He is dominant and
relatively traditionalist: The woman must follow her man, attitude that
maintains family conflicts. The doubt that Rzvan doesnt take a sufficiently
masculine position, determines him to impose himself in order to protect his
wife. This emphasizes Ioanas reactance; her autonomys tendencies being
perceived as castrating by Rzvan, a vicious circle takes place (see Figure 2).
The clients present a polite attitude in therapy, having an elegant appearance.
They respect the topics proposed by the therapist and the therapys schedule.

DSM-IV diagnosis
1. Axis I (clinical disorders): the wife presents the signs of a subclinical
depression, stating that she feels depressed and sad, but she doesnt have the
criteria of a major depressive episode coded as such. The husband has some
elements of compulsive perfectionism, but this doesnt affect significantly
his life.
2. Axis II (personality disorders): there are no significant elements of a
personality disorder, although Ioana presents histrionic tendencies.
3. Axis III (general medical conditions): no significant element to any client.
4. Axis IV (psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to the
disorder): relational problems, familial stress, diffuse borders in families of
origin, the birth of the baby as a stressful event of family cycle, excessive
involvement of families of origin, alcohol.
5. Axis V (Global Assessment of Functioning): 6.10 Relational problems.

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Case systemic conceptualization

From a systemic perspective, the objectives targeted the delimitation of

the familys borders, changing the pattern of beliefs and interactions between
family members. The fight for power of both partners represents the principal
cause of their problems. However, the status of elder sister of Ioana favors the
position of dominance toward Rzvan. He presents himself, in the exercise
entitled The circles of Malarewicz more like a son than a lover, brother or
father. Rzvan is perceived by his wife in a significant measure as more of a
father, which strengthens his representation of a protective person, but
dominant at the same time.
The unplanned birth of Rare produced stress in the family life cycle,
including the transition from a couple without children to a couple with a child.
The existence of Rare changes the family dynamics. The two moved from the
stage of unmarried adults to the stage of the family with a baby in a very short
time. This short period was marked by numerous doubts and conflicts between
the spouses. According to family life cycle theory, the transition from one stage
to the next is a stress for family members because change requires renegotiation
of the rules and creating new scenarios (Konya & Konya, 2012). Each stage
involves the fulfillment of diverse family tasks. The rapid change in their lives
didnt give them the necessary time to adapt to the role of parents, generating
conflicts and also the depressed and irritated mood of Ioana. Rzvan has
imposed his masculinity by proposing Ioana to move to his parents' home,
believing that a woman must follow her man. The attitude of dominance
could be inherited from his father, with whom he had a tense relationship. The
marriage along with the childs birth drew a involvement from their parents:
They are very caring. They have become invasive and got involved in the
majority of partners conflicts. The familys borders became diffuse, almost
erased. The fact that the couple still depends on the financial resources of the
parents and Rzvan is working at his father's company, leads to the
reinforcement of this involvement. Moreover, the fact that the parents had the
main role in the formalization of marriage: The parents were trying to
convince him to marry me when I got pregnant... is the beginning of their
involvement. The family borders are diffuse, characterized by the vague
definition of the functions and the roles of members, privacy is minimal and the
interaction between members is excessive. It is not clear who has the

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responsibility and authority, the relationships between members being

overlapped (Mitrofan & Vasile, 2001).
Rzvans concern of behaving like a "real man" leads him to believe
that wife's family is overinvolved in the childs life. One source of conflict is
Whose turn is to take the baby?. Ioana has a clear ambivalence regarding her
husband: I turned away from him, it is like he is no longer the man of my
dreams, stating that the only thing that unites them is the child. However, in
other contexts she admits she still loves Rzvan and misses him. Furthermore,
the sexual life presents a particular importance for Ioana, the fact that: Sex has
become boring, has led to growing cold towards her husband. Both visions of
the partners in the exercise of Malarewiczs circles represent Ioana the desirable
option as a mistress to a significantly greater extent than other roles. This gives
Rzvan the doubt that he successfully fulfills the masculine role, leading to a
dominant attitude towards Ioana.
According to the principles of systemic family therapy, the therapist
adopted a position of neutrality towards both partners, who recognized at the
end of therapy that "it was helpful that the therapist did not take sides." By
adopting a neutral position towards change, an optimal context for change is
created (Konya & Konya, 2012). The interaction between therapist and patients
can be considered intimate because they share or co-create meanings and their
actions are coordinated (Weingarten, 1991; Weingarten, 1992). However, the
therapist was open to all possibilities regarding the future of the relationship,
the prospect of divorce being considered by the technique of stresss escalation.

Therapys objectives

The therapys objectives are: drawing clear borders in couples family,

facilitating communication and negotiation the rules between the partners
which will be written in a contract of the relationship.

Steps in therapy

Although, initially, we made no prediction concerning the therapys

duration, the therapeutic team worked together over a period of eight meetings.
These proved sufficient, from the patients point of view, in attaining the
therapeutic goals.

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___________________________________________________________________

First session (28th February 2012)

The first session started only with Rzvan who explained the therapist
the difficulties in the relationship with his wife and the excessive involvement
of the families of origin in their lives.

The 2nd session (4th of March 2012)

After first meeting Rzvan on February 28, the therapist held a second
meeting with both parties on March 4. It was desired not to create the
impression that the therapist is favoring the husband, whom he has previously
seen. The session began with the request that each spouse would say what he
loved about the other and what things work well in their relationship. The
discussion slouched, especially from the part of Ioana and there were few
positive attributes that the two were willing to mention. Because the complaints
immediately followed, we discussed limitedly about them. Apart from mutual
accusations about the behavior of the family, she accused him that he was
stingy, she stayed home too much because she had to take care of the child and
the sex had become boring. The spouses were given an ericksonian style
homework, to come up with a notebook with red covers (instruction designed
to arouse curiosity). Also in this session, the therapist asked what would behave
the perfect husband / wife. Ioana stated that the perfect husband hugs her in the
morning and tells her he loves her, prepares food, offers to do shopping, hugs
again in front of the door, asks her about work, even by short text message, is
interested about the baby, comes at noon with groceries and makes plans at
lunch about how the couple will spend the night. For Rzvan, the perfect wife
wakes up with him, makes him a sandwich at work. She says, when seeing
each other at noon How nice of you to come! How was your day?, and tells
him what she would like to do next. Homework for the next meeting was that
they secretly think about a pleasant thing for the other partner, and to
implement, without noticing each other, that thing. The task of each of them
was to guess, at the end, what were the things that have been thought of and put
into practice by the other partner.

The 3rd session (16th of March, 2012)

At the third meeting, on March 16, only the husband had done his
homework. Ioana reasoned that she couldnt think of anything special. The
therapist explained to her that the task could contain simple things, not

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___________________________________________________________________

necessarily something important. It is essential that the partner should be

pleased by that thing. It was the first indication of an attitude (apparently)
shallow of Ioana regarding the therapy and also a possible attempt to
manipulate the therapeutic context in the direction of the same struggle for
power. In this session, negotiations on what everyone wants began. Ioana
complained that she sat too much in the house and negotiated the possibility of
hiring a nanny. Rzvan agreed and stated that he had never disagreed with this
idea. Both partners brought into discussion their families and how they got
involved in the couples family. The concept of borders was explained to
them, on this occasion. The patients had found that no one is malicious, but that
every family needed to put around clear boundaries. If there were no strict
boundaries, none of the partners did not know what to expect, and the
relationship became pathologic. It was pointed out that partners had no
pathology, but the relationship itself is ill. It was determined that parents
shouldnt be notified of any fights of the couple. Regarding the child, parents'
help was welcome but it was desirable for both partners to agree when to seek
their aid. Concerning the red notebook covers, the spouses received a typical
ericksonian task: each of them would write on one side of the notebook his
erotic fantasies. The notebook would never be seen by the therapist. It would
stay in the spouses bedroom. It was forbidden that the partners look into what
other was writing. Through this paradox prescription, it was intended for
spouses to break the rules, to read each others fantasies, in order to
communicate such desires without feeling pressured.

The 4th session (23th of March, 2012)

At the fourth meeting, on March 23, Ioana said that she felt depressed
and sad, and she could not detach from painful things that had happened. If it
wasnt our child, we would not stick together. And I feel relieved now that I
said that. I want, but I cannot get over our past conflicts. It was the moment
when the therapist suspected an attempt of manipulation or that Ioana had
already taken a decision. It was considered a good idea to schedule an
individual meeting with Ioana. Furthermore, the idea that some couples may
decide to divorce if this is what they desire was emphasized: therapy is not a
guaranty of saving the relationship, but a framework in which the two partners
can communicate openly and can negotiate rules. Through the technique of
escalating stress which is specific to strategic interventions, the therapist asked

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___________________________________________________________________

with a curious figure: Have you considered the possibility of a divorce?

(Mitrofan & Vasile, 2001).

The 5th session (30th of March, 2012)

At the fifth meeting, only with Ioana, on March 30th, she pointed out:
I wanted to be with Rzvan. Parents were trying to convince him to marry me
when I got pregnant. Asked whether she had already taken a decision and
wanted to separate from him, Ioana replied categorically that she hadnt
decided anything. The therapist explained Ioana that there was no other way for
her to overcome past conflicts with her husband, unless she assumed this
responsibility. If she could not do it, the only alternative is the divorce. Therapy
cannot "remove" artificially something of a person's head. Using the escalating
stress technique, the objective was to make Ioana more responsible, suggesting
that if she continued to complain that "she couldnt" surpass the difficulties, no
one else would do it for her and the relationship would end.

The 6th session (6th of April, 2012)

At the sixth meeting, on April 6th, both spouses said that things were
going better. The negotiations continued and the main theme was the autonomy
of Ioana to take decisions. She was disturbed when her husband gave her
unsolicited advice concerning her own business. They both agreed that, when
Ioana would need help, she would ask for it. It was generally discussed how
every person needed to feel useful, to take spontaneous decisions and to value
the abilities possessed. Sometimes the good will of the husband to help his wife
could become overwhelming. Through a functional analysis, the therapist
explained the vicious circle in which spouses were sometimes:
Rzvans doubts about his masculine identity and family leader
materialize in attempts to help and protect Ioana, but also in attempts to
dominate and to take the majority of decisions. This sends the message that
Ioana is not capable to do things alone. Ioana responds by doubts about her own
autonomy and personal value and also her ability to cope with this situation.
She wants to be independent, to show her capability and therefore protests,
complains or withdraws. All these effects are perceived by Rzvan as
castrating, who believes that he is led by his woman and therefore, he is not a
real man. This cycle repeats (see Figure 2).

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___________________________________________________________________

Rzvan doubts
about his
masculine and
head of the
family role

Rzvan tries to
Rzvan feels take over,
emasculated, led dominates,
by the woman. protects and gives
unsolicited advice.

Ioana reacts, gets

the message of not
being able by
herself and acts
towards
autonomy,
protests.

Figure 2. Maintaining the symptom in the couple

The 7th session (4th of May, 2012)

At the seventh meeting on May 4th, the topics discussed were the
common or separate cash funds. Each partner had the right to spend one
amount of money mutually agreed, for personal pleasures, equal for each. On
request, they both talked about the positive things that the other has done and
also about three conflicts that occurred in the month they hadnt seen the
therapist. The spouses were informed that they would receive a draft contract
relationship, which they would complete as they would negotiate. They would
negotiate the rules and where it failed, the therapist would attend them the next
meeting. Also, in the meeting were conducted the exercises of Malarewicz's
circles on the roles of father / mother, brother / sister, son / daughter, lover /
mistress (Malarewicz, 1992). The couple communicated thus the need for more
erotism, but also for less dominance.

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The 8th session ( 18th of May, 2012)

In last meeting on May 18th, the partners had come with their laptops,
and together they read their version of the contract. In the contract were
introduced things perceived by couple as appropriate or inappropriate and
which could arouse jealousy and also the alcohols problem. Husbands were
explained that the contracts method is very good, but that they would not need
to realise such documents their entire life. They would learn gradually to
negotiate rules in family. Spouses did not continued therapy, claiming various
activities that kept them busy, but they both considered that it was no longer
needed.

Clients post therapy evolution and follow up

Thirteen months since the last session, the patients were contactated and
stated that they were still together. No major conflicts had arisen and they
rarely argued. Ioana believed that therapy saved them from divorce, while
Razvan said that it was an opening from both. Both spouses declared that
they were feeling really good and told spontaneously to the therapist: You
are very dear to us. It helped them the most that the therapist did not take
sides. Both families of origin are involved in a controlled manner in the couple
family.

Limits

The main limitation is that the illustrative and exploratory value of this
case study doesnt allow for generalizations, like in the case of a quantitative
systematic research. The purpose is to deductively reflect over the various
explicative models used in conceptualizing this case, so they serve as a source
for new hypothesis and alternative conceptualizations, to offer insights on the
efficiency or inefficiency of certain techniques and to draw from some of the
fine and idiosyncratic nuances that are particular to psychotherapy (Sava,
2003). Alternative conceptualizations, better explanations and intervention
ideas can be proposed on this case and can be used in similar situations in
psychotherapy.
Systematic future research can separate the various pairs of
conceptualization-intervention with the purpose of testing the efficiency and

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___________________________________________________________________

reliability of the therapeutic process. Moreover, controlled clinical trials can test
not only the isolated efficiency of an intervention, like motivational or solution
centered. They can also study the added effect that another conceptualization,
like the systemic one as well as the associated intervention; these can be
brought in for the benefit of the client.

Conclusions

The case of Rzvan and Ioana is a classic struggle of power, along with
personal uncertainties and borders pathology. It draws attention to specific
strategies that can be used when clinicians confront with a mixture of fight for
power and fused borders in a family system. By proposing to delimitate
borders, exercises of refocusing attention, open negotiation method (that valued
their legal background), recognizing both sensitive points (the need to be
perceived as male / need for recognition of independence), spouses had initiated
cycles changes. The case is successful due to the patients motivation and the
therapeutic relationship.

References

American Psychiatric Association (2003) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of

Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition Revised, DSM-IV-TR. (M. Marian Popa,
Ed.) Bucureti: Free Psychiatrists Association in Romania.
Dafinoiu, I. (2001). Elements of integrative psychotherapy. Iai: Polirom.
Dafinoiu, I., & Vargha, J.-L. (2005). Short psychotherapies. Iai: Polirom.
Knya, Z., & Knya, A. (2012). Systemic Family Therapy. Iai: Polirom.
Malarewicz, J. (1992). Fourteen lessons of strategic therapy. Paris: ESF
Editeur.
Mitrofan, I., & Vasile, D. (2001). Family Therapy. Bucureti: SPER.
Sava, F. A. (2013). Scientifically validated Psychology: A Practical Guide to
Research in Psychology. Iai: Polirom.
Weingarten, K. (1991). The discourse of intimacy: adding a social
constructionist and feminist view. Family Process, 30, 285-305.
Weingarten, K. (1992). A consideration of intimate and non-intimate
interaction in therapy. Family Process, 31, 45-59.

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Appendix: The relationships contract

CONTRACT

Regarding the rights and the duties of the partners involved in a relationship of love and respect
Signed today 12.04.2012

1. Contracting Parties

IOANA VIAN, free person, full and equal partner, beneficiary of all rights under its adult
status, hereinafter IOANA
and
RZVAN VIAN, full and equal partner, a free man, the beneficiary of all rights under its adult
status, hereinafter RZVAN

2. The object of the contract

The object of the contract is the bilateral and irrevocable commitment to assume the
responsibilities and rights arising from a relationship based on love and mutual respect. The purpose of the
contract is the couples relationship indefinitely. The terms of the contract can be modified only by mutual
agreement by addendum.

3. Duration of the contract

The contract is on unlimited duration but may end unilaterally notice. Unilateral termination of
the contract entails the termination of the relationship.

4. Principles

Article 1. The terms of this contract shall be in the spirit of principles supported and recognized as such by
both partners. These principles represent a set of common values;
Article 2. Both partners recognize the individual freedom of the other, the spirit and the respect of other
principles, rights and obligations set out in this agreement;
Article 3. Both partners recognize sexual fidelity and closed couple relationship as the only viable option for
coexistence in two;
Article 4. Both partners recognize each exclusive right over their money and valuables, except funds and
amounts recognized as being common and managed in that way;
Article 5. Both partners recognize the value of truth and transparency in the relationship;
Article 6. Both partners recognize the importance of respect for self and other;
Article 7. Both partners recognize the function of mutual support, moral and financial of the couple;
Article 8. Both partners declare their intention to make this relationship a permanent link during the entire
life.

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5. Obligations of the parties

5.1 Common Obligations

5.1.1 Couple communication
Article 9. Both partners have the right to express their feelings in the couple;
Article 10. Each partner is entitled to have an unlimited number of discussions on the couples
relationship, held with the other partner;
Article 11. Discussions will respect the principle of alternative expression (no one talks over the
other, each partner finishing what he said);
Article 12. Bad language is not allowed;
Article 13. Gestures of disrespect are not allowed. They include slamming the door in the nose or
jostling each other;
Article 14. Each partner is entitled to an answer to a question from the other.
5.1.2 Chores
Article 15. Both partners recognize their common responsibility equally for household work and
to clean the house;
Article 16. Distribution of the cleaning activities is as follows:
a). IOANA has to wash the dishes, do the laundry and dusting;
b). RZVAN has to use vacuum weekly, to take out the trash and clean the windows.
5.1.3 Money and values
Article 17. Accounts and fees of the partners are separated, representing individually each
property;
Article 18. The house is, in fact, throughout the relationship, both partners property and may be
labelled with the phrase "our home";
Article 19. Each partner reserves the right to pay, whenever he wants, for goods or services
enjoyed by the other. These payments are for gifts and do not remain falling due under any
circumstances between partners;
Article 20. The debts between the two partners are repaid on mutually agreement;
Article 21. Either of the partners reserves the right to cancel the debts that the other has to him if
and when desired.
5.1.4 Sexual fidelity
Article 22. Partners engage in complete sexual fidelity during the relationship.
5.1.5 Communicating with people from outside the dyad
Article 23. IOANA and RZVAN recognize the value of friendships or communication with
other people.
5.1.6 Sleep
Article 24. Both partners recognize that they are different from a psychological and physiological
point of view;
Article 25. Both partners must respect the other's silence when he sleeps. This includes closing
the doors gently and silent movements.

5.2 Strictly personal psychological space

Article 26. Both partners recognize the need for everyone to have a strictly personal
psychological space, access being limited only to that person;
Article 27. For IOANA, personal space is represented by the e-mail account, mobile phone and
purse;
Article 28. For RZVAN, personal space is represented by the e-mail account and cell phone;

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Article 29. In all other personal effects, both partners have mutual access;
Article 30. Storage (hard- disk computers, external sites, DVDs and CDs) are not part of personal
psychological space.

5.3 Obligations of RZVAN

Article 31. To respect IOANA;
Article 32. To listen IOANA without interrupting her;
Article 33. To maintain confidentiality;
Article 34. To keep confidential the information about the couple except for the loved ones;
Article 35. To respect the stipulations of this contract.

5.4 Obligations of IOANA

Article 36. To respect RZVAN;
Article 37. To listen RZVAN without interrupting him;
Article 38. To keep confidential the information about the couple except for the loved ones.

6. The rights of the parties

Article 39. Parties have the right of communication, respect and mutual support.

7. The 10-day clause

Article 40. In the case of an unilateral or bilateral decision of divorce, the 10-day clause will enter in force;
Article 41. The 10-day clause requires both partners not to take irreversible decisions within 10-day of the
decision to separate;
Article 42. Irreversible decisions include moving definitively from the location, sex with other people or
leaving abroad;
Article 43. Once active, the 10-day clause cannot be suspended even by consent;
Article 44. The 10-day clause can enable both partners to reverse their decision to split up;
Article 45. Once expired the 10-day clause, IOANA and RZVAN can implement any decisions taken.

Equal partner, Equal partner,

IOANA VIAN RZVAN VIAN

Received March 10, 2014

Revision received March 24, 2014
Accepted April 05, 2014

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Russell, B. (1932). The Conquest of Happiness. London: Allen & Unwin.

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87.
Levenson, M. R., Aldwin, C. M., & DMello, M. (2005). Religious development
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