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Adverse, positive childhood experience levels in US haven’t changed much

A new study finds that adverse and positive childhood experiences reported by parents of US teenagers have remained relatively stable over the past eight years. Positive childhood experiences were significantly more common than negative ones, affecting 40-90% of parents, whereas only 35% of adolescents experienced all negative experien...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2025

Researchers uncover surprising link to stroke risk

A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2025

A standard blood test can predict a heart attack

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a tool that uses standard blood test results to identify individuals at increased risk of having a heart attack within six months. The study analyzed data from 169,053 individuals and identified 90 molecules linked to a first heart attack.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Women may find it harder to adjust to later life divorce and break-ups than men

A large long-term study found that women's antidepressant use increases after later life divorce or break-up, with a significant increase in the 4 years leading up to the event. Women's use tends to tail off only slightly and briefly after re-partnering, while men's use returns to pre-break-up levels within a year.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research

Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023

Understanding how couples integrate finances

Research from the University of Georgia found that moving in together is not enough to guarantee joint accounts, with factors like net worth, household growth, and income level playing a significant role. Couples who agree on spending and have open conversations about money are more likely to pool their finances.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalContemporary Family Therapy·DateMay 30, 2023

Life stressors may contribute to multiple sclerosis flares, disability

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that life stressors across the lifespan, including childhood trauma and adult abuse, contribute significantly to worsening health and functional outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis. The findings highlight the importance of analyzing the impact of life stressors on MS patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBrain and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2023

Separation leads to significant but temporary gender differences in parent-child time

A study by sociologists from Trinity College Dublin and UNED Madrid found that parental separation results in significant but temporary increases in gender inequalities in parent-child time. After separation, mother-child time doubles while two-parent time declines threefold, with father-child time remaining low.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalEuropean Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie·TypeSurvey·DateJan 17, 2023

Parental discord may be an indicator of children’s genetic risk for future alcohol misuse

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that parental discord and divorce may be indicators of children's genetic risk for future alcohol misuse. Researchers found that exposure to parents' relationship discord or divorce is associated with increased risk of alcohol use disorder symptoms in adulthood.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

After breakups, people feel less in-control – but only at first

A study found that people who experienced separation from their partner felt less in-control initially but regained it over time. In contrast, those whose partners passed away saw an overall increase in sense of control, especially for younger individuals. Divorce had no impact on perceived control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 3, 2022

Online parenting skills program shields children from adverse effects of divorce

A new online parenting skills program has been shown to reduce interparental conflict, improve quality of parenting, and decrease anxiety and depression symptoms in children of divorcing parents. The eNew Beginnings Program, adapted from a 30-year research study, benefits over 1 million children affected by divorce each year.

SourceArizona State University·JournalFamily Court Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2022

Motherhood is equal to partner absence as a cause of economic disadvantage in single mothers

New research by Professor Susan Harkness reveals that motherhood earning penalties have a significant impact on the economic wellbeing of single mothers. The study found that labour market penalties, cost of partner absence and child-related increases in financial needs combine to negatively affect single mothers' income.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalDemography·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 5, 2022

How intimate partner violence affects custody decisions

A new study found that intimate partner violence is often overlooked in custody cases, leading to longer court times and increased risk for mothers. The research suggests that documenting IPV can lead to worse custody outcomes, but also highlights the importance of addressing safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Violence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2022

New research highlights “significant gap” in evidence about effectiveness of relationship education programmes

A systematic review of 20 relationship education programmes found a lack of high-quality evaluations, with only three programmes following participants for over a year. Experts recommend co-created programmes integrated into mental health-informed curricula and evaluated over the long-term to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPastoral Care in Education·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2022

Grandparents’ support for grandchildren may decrease when family with children faces challenges – except for maternal grandmothers

A study by University of Turku found that grandparents' support decreases with adverse experiences in children's families. However, maternal grandmothers' support remains consistent. The study suggests that future prospects for successful reproduction may impact grandparents' willingness to offer support.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2022

Genetic study suggests more sensitive people respond better to couple’s therapy

A genetic study published at Queen Mary University of London found that individuals with higher genetic sensitivity benefit more from couple's therapy, particularly in the long-term. The researchers used genome-wide data to assess genetic sensitivity and found that it had a significant impact on marital satisfaction over time.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Robots good for gender equity, not so good for stability/fertility of marriage: study

A recent study found that robots negatively impact marriage stability and fertility, while improving gender pay equity. The research revealed that exposure to industrial robots worsens men's economic stature and reduces their ability to form long-term commitments, but boosts women's earnings and increases their labor force participation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Human Resources·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 24, 2021

High risk of divorce after TBI? Not necessarily, study suggests

A recent study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that two-thirds of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain married to their spouse 10 years after the injury. The study analyzed data from 1,423 patients and found that marital stability was higher for those who were older, female, and had no problema...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJul 6, 2021

Study shows humans are optimists for most of life

Researchers found that people tend to become more optimistic as they age, with a significant increase during young adulthood. Despite major life events, such as divorce or illness, people generally remain positive about their future, finding ways to maintain emotional balance and focus on happiness.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 13, 2020

Divorced parents may impact some teens' academics

A study found that adolescents with divorced parents have lower GPAs, especially those with more educated mothers. The researchers controlled for paternal education and income measures, revealing a stronger association between divorce and reduced GPA among teens with highly educated mothers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2020

Why egalitarian values don't catch on in post-Soviet countries

A recent study found that personal values in post-Soviet countries are primarily determined by national pride, rather than education, age, religiosity, or social status. Despite high rates of divorce and abortion, respondents expressed conservative views on individual choice practices, highlighting a cultural shift towards patriotism.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Sociology and Social Anthropology·DateFeb 11, 2020

Study shows effects of Chinese divorce law on women's wellbeing

A new study by Yale sociologist Emma Zang found that China's 2011 judicial interpretation on property rights during divorce initially harmed women's wellbeing, but couples adapted over time to share property equally. Despite adaptations, the change has lingering costs, including increased housework for women and loss of property rights.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJan 24, 2020

Narrative journaling may help heart health post-divorce

A study of 109 separated or divorced individuals suggests that narrative expressive writing can lower heart rate and increase heart rate variability, both indicators of good cardiovascular health. By creating a structured story around their feelings, participants were able to process emotions in a more physiologically adaptive way.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Is shotgun marriage dead?

Research from Duke University finds shotgun marriages increasing among certain groups of women, including young mothers and those with less education. The study suggests that shotgun marriages are not as unstable as thought, with divorce rates comparable to other marriages.

SourceDuke University·JournalDemography·DateNov 1, 2016

Female birds call the shots in divorce

In a study of Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens, researchers found that females are more likely to initiate divorce due to dissatisfaction with their territory. Divorce allows females to gain better territories, which are crucial for reproductive success in this species.

SourceMonash University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJul 20, 2016