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Relationships in distress find support in web-based program, OurRelationship.com

A nationwide study found that a web-based program improved relationship satisfaction and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in 300 couples. The program, developed by University of Miami psychologists, was completed online with minimal calls with project staff, offering an affordable alternative to traditional counseling.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 4, 2016

Divorce: On the decline in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study reveals that divorce rates in sub-Saharan Africa have decreased over the past two decades, primarily due to older unions becoming more stable. The research found that as women enter into marriages at an older age, the likelihood of marriage breakdown decreases, resulting in fewer divorces.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 16, 2015

Divorce rate doesn't go up as families of children with disabilities grow

Researchers found that couples with typically-developing children who can pitch in to care for and support their siblings with developmental disabilities may experience less marital stress. In contrast, parents of children with developmental disabilities experienced a similar risk of divorce regardless of family size.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateOct 30, 2015

Stepchildren who view former stepparents as family maintain relationships after divorce

A study found that stepchildren who viewed their former stepparents as family maintained relationships after the dissolution of the stepfamily unit. The researchers noted that emotional reactions to the divorce, patterns of support and resource exchanges, and parental encouragement played a significant role in these relationships.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateAug 10, 2015

No cookie-cutter divorces, so what info should online co-parenting classes offer?

A University of Illinois researcher recommends online co-parenting classes be tailored to individual family needs, addressing emotional support and conflict resolution. The course should also cover less discussed topics like introducing a new partner to children and sex education, and provide resources for parents with limited vocabulary.

Shared custody is becoming the norm

A significant shift is observed in US custody patterns with a dramatic decline in mother-sole custody cases over the past two decades. Shared custody has become more prevalent, particularly among higher-income families, while the gender and age of children involved do not significantly impact custody decisions.

SourceSpringer·JournalDemography·DateMay 21, 2014

Divorce rate cut in half for newlyweds who discussed 5 relationship movies

A study involving 174 couples found that discussing five relationship movies over a month can reduce the three-year divorce rate for newlyweds in half. The inexpensive and fun movie-and-talk approach was found to be as effective as other more intensive therapist-led methods, with only an 11% divorce rate after three years.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 31, 2014

Divorce early in childhood affects parental relationships in adulthood

A new study found that children whose parents divorce early in life tend to have more insecure relationships with their parents as adults. The researchers also discovered that paternal relationships are more likely to be affected by divorce, possibly due to mothers being more likely to receive primary custody.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 28, 2013

Divorce costs thousands of women health insurance coverage

A University of Michigan study found that 115,000 women lose their private health insurance every year after divorce, leading to depression for more than two years. Women in moderate-income families face the greatest loss of insurance coverage, while full-time work and education can serve as buffers against losing health insurance.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 12, 2012

Parental divorce linked to stroke in males

Adult men from divorced families are three times more likely to suffer a stroke than those from intact families, according to a new University of Toronto study. Researchers found that parental divorce was still associated with a tripled risk of stroke even after adjusting for other risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Stroke·DateSep 13, 2012

Should I marry him?

A new UCLA psychology study found that pre-wedding uncertainty, especially among women, predicts higher divorce rates and less marital satisfaction years later. Women with doubts were two-and-a-half times more likely to divorce than those without doubts.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateSep 13, 2012

Why do low-income couples marry less and divorce more?

A new study suggests that government initiatives to strengthen low-income marriages should focus on addressing specific problems rather than promoting the institution of marriage. Low-income respondents reported similar romantic standards and experiences as high-income couples, despite facing unique economic and social issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 10, 2012

Military marriages stay strong despite challenges

A new study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that military marriages are not more vulnerable to divorce than civilian marriages. Despite frequent deployments and separations, the risk of divorce among military couples has remained constant since the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq began.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateMay 10, 2012

Husband's employment status threatens marriage, but wife's does not, study finds

A new study suggests that a woman's employment status does not affect the likelihood of her husband initiating divorce. However, for men, being unemployed significantly increases their chance of leaving the marriage, even if they are relatively happy. This asymmetric change in traditional gender roles implies that societal norms view a...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJun 20, 2011