Marriage
Articles tagged with Marriage
In mafias, marriages are strategic tools
Research on the 'Ndrangheta mafia network reveals that matrimonial ties between lesser-known clans play a vital role in maintaining the entire network's resilience. The analysis found that marriages between less influential families are significantly more critical to the network's cohesion.
Firehorse superstition shows women’s education doesn’t affect family formation in Japan
Research finds that women's education level has a minimal direct effect on whether and when women form families. Education shifts the timing of family planning but does not prevent or avoid family formation. Structural barriers persist, including workplaces penalizing mothers and traditional marriage practices.
Male gender, marriage, and social support linked to flourishing mental health for older Canadians
A new study found that male, married Canadians with social support, healthy habits, and excellent health are more likely to experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with flourishing mental health among older adults.
EMBARGOED: Cancer risk is significantly higher for adults who never married, large study finds
A large U.S. study found that adults who never married have substantially higher rates of developing cancer compared to those who are or have been married. The association is strongest for cancers related to infection, smoking, and alcohol use, with women facing a significantly higher risk than men.
Common relationship survey measures may capture overall relationship appraisal more than distinct relationship facets
Researchers found that a single general factor, called the 'Q-factor', captures how people rate their relationship across multiple facets. This means that many prominent self-report relationship measures may not be as empirically distinct as assumed.
Spousal loss linked to higher risk of dementia, mortality among men, but not women
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
New research finds that romance and sexual intimacy don’t diminish with age
A study of single older adults aged 60-83 reveals they still value sexual activity in romantic relationships, with 97% emphasizing its importance. Participants sought romance and physical connection, viewing sex as essential to their partnerships.
LGB individuals in Israel aspire to be parents — far more than in Poland. Why?
A new study finds that public policy significantly impacts the desire for parenthood among LGB individuals, with Israel reporting stronger aspirations and lower stigma compared to Poland. Pronatalist attitudes and positive expectations of legislation also play a key role in shaping LGB people's visions of parenthood.
Marriage, emotional support may protect against obesity through brain-gut connection, study finds
A new study published in Gut Microbes reveals that married individuals with higher perceived emotional support have a lower body mass index and fewer food addiction behaviors. The study found that oxytocin pathways linking the brain, gut microbiome, and eating behaviors play a crucial role in shaping obesity risk.
Australia’s middle-aged are the engine room of the nation but many risk burnout: Report
Middle-aged Australians are experiencing mounting pressures as they balance work, family, and financial demands, leading to declining life satisfaction and increased stress. Women face sharper declines in wellbeing due to unpaid care and time stress, with one in ten caring for both children and ageing parents.
New University of Bath research shows ‘trophy spouse’ phenomenon persists into marriage
New University of Bath research shows that the 'beauty-status exchange' between couples continues into marriage, where they trade money and status for attractiveness. As one spouse's income rises or falls, their partner adjusts physically to maintain perceived fairness within the relationship.
A husband’s self-esteem may protect against preterm births, study finds
A new study from University of California Merced found that married fathers' optimism and confidence can lower maternal inflammation during pregnancy, leading to longer gestation periods. Higher paternal resilience also predicted healthier fetal development.
Few military spouses use formal support services during, after deployment
A recent study found that only 16.5% of military spouses participated in a formal reintegration program after their partner's return from deployment. Informal sources, such as friends and family, were more effective in supporting mental health, social functioning, and marital quality.
Shared memories, different emotions. How Polish families talk about their migration to Germany
A study by Polish researchers explores how parents and adult children construct shared narratives about their lives in Germany, with different emotional tones. The findings highlight the importance of intergenerational support and preparation for children before departure.
Parents may have been more likely to cheat than non-parents during the COVID-19 pandemic
Parents and men in particular may be susceptible to infidelity-related risk factors during high-stress life events. A new study reveals that parents reported a higher desire for and engagement in infidelity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with similar patterns observed across genders.
Strained relationships may make foster parents quit
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that the quality of relationships between foster caregivers has a direct impact on their desire to continue fostering. Couples with lower satisfaction in their relationships are less likely to want to continue fostering, especially mothers.
Study explores how Reddit is used to work through pre-wedding doubts
A study found that Reddit is being used by people with second thoughts to openly share and seek advice before getting married. Researchers discovered that users are more comfortable expressing their unease on the platform than with family or friends, sharing topics from major red flags to smaller frustrations.
Couple satisfaction linked to fewer cognitive issues with chemo
A study found that satisfying intimate relationships and general social support can reduce cognitive problems experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The research suggests that couples therapy could be a helpful option for partnered patients, while oxytocin levels decreased significantly during treatment.
A proposed legalisation of polygamy in Australia
Researchers propose a legalisation of polygamy in Australia that would allow for the recognition of non-monogamous relationships. The proposed law would not disrupt the foundations of Australian marriage law and could provide greater freedom for couples.
Aspects of marriage counseling may hold the key to depolarizing, unifying the country, study finds
A recent study found that 'reciprocal group reflection' - an intervention inspired by marriage counseling - helped reduce affective polarization among opposing political parties. Participants showed reduced signs of division and increased willingness to support depolarization efforts, even after six months.
Research assesses how infertility treatments can affect family and work relationships
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
Mothers bear the brunt of the 'mental load,' managing 7 in 10 household tasks
A US study found that mothers carry the majority of the 'mental load' in managing daily household tasks. The imbalance affects not only family life but also women's careers and public life. Researchers encourage families to share the workload more fairly, benefiting everyone.
Marriage strongly associated with optimal health and well-being in men as they age
A new study found that married men are twice as likely to age optimally compared to never-married men, while never-married women fare better than those who experience widowhood or divorce. Lifestyle factors like physical activity and healthy habits also play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health in later life.
A ‘thank you’ goes a long way in family relationships
A study found that perceived gratitude from romantic partners and older children positively impacts individuals' psychological well-being and reduces parenting stress. Expressing gratitude within the family can promote a climate of appreciation, teaching children to acknowledge others' efforts.
Same-sex marriage recognition helps countries attract, retain highly skilled workers
European countries that recognized same-sex marriages saw a 21% decrease in new HB1 visas from the US over 20 years. This suggests that inclusive policies make countries more attractive for skilled labor, particularly in STEM fields.
Political campaigns can induce stress in minorities
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that LGBTIQ+ individuals and their cisgender heterosexual allies experienced higher stress levels during the 2021 Swiss national referendum on marriage equality. The campaign's negative impact was attenuated when individuals saw supportive statements from the 'yes' campaign.
How do mindfulness, self-compassion, other-compassion, and need fulfillment affect satisfaction in midlife married couples?
A new study examined the relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion, other-compassion, and need fulfillment in midlife married couples. The results highlight the importance of need fulfillment, particularly relatedness needs, in connecting higher mindfulness and self-compassion to greater satisfaction.
Same-sex marriage has caused no harms to different-sex couples
A new report from RAND and UCLA found that extending marriage rights to same-sex couples has grown support for marriage overall. The study also found evidence of improved attitudes toward marriage among young people in states where same-sex couples were granted legal status.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to addressing men’s health issues globally
Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that life transitions and global health policies for men vary across communities, with differing effects on physical and mental health. Men's life expectancy lags behind women's, and health interventions should focus on individual needs and cultural contexts.
Your unsupportive partner is physically stressing you out
A new study from Binghamton University found that couples who receive more negative social support tend to experience higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress reactions. In contrast, those who receive positive support exhibit lower cortisol levels and feel more understood, validated, and cared for by their partner.
Reported marital harmony—or conflict—accounts for nearly ten percent of the variation in mental health self-assessments in a broad study of Australian adults
A recent study of over 7,000 Australian adults found that reported marital harmony and conflict account for nearly 10% of mental health self-assessments. Financial difficulties and demographic factors also contribute to variation in mental health scores.
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.
Do couples’ wages differ based on interracial versus intraracial marriage?
A study found that interracial marriages result in lower wages for white males and higher wages for Black males compared to their same-sex and same-race counterparts. In states where marriage was less accepted, the penalties were more pronounced. The findings highlight the incomplete acceptance of interracial marriage in the US.
Stalled progress toward eliminating child marriage in India
Child marriage declined nationally in India, but one in five girls and nearly one in six boys remain married as children. The practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021.
Can an app improve your romantic relationship?
A new relationship app, developed by a University of Rochester psychologist, has been shown to improve romantic relationships. The app sends daily prompts that encourage meaningful conversations, enhancing awareness and promoting moments of connection among couples.
Migrant couples have better relationships when they can balance old and new cultures
Researchers found that dyadic bicultural competence, the ability to navigate both cultural contexts, is associated with relationship quality. Couples with higher levels of this competence tend to experience fewer relationship challenges.
Women with a disability are more likely to experience child marriage than women without a disability
A new study from George Mason University found that women with a disability are more likely to report child marriage compared to women without disabilities. The study found that women with disabilities were over one and a half times more likely to experience girl child marriage.
Study confirms it: Opposites don't actually attract
A sweeping analysis of over 130 traits and millions of couples reveals that birds of a feather flock together, with similarities common among partners. The study confirms the notion that genetics plays a role in shaping human relationships, debunking the idea that opposites attract.
Extreme weather events linked to increased child marriage
Research reveals that extreme weather events exacerbate existing problems of gender inequality and poverty, leading families to marry off children as a coping mechanism. Girls who are educated are less likely to be married off early, highlighting the importance of education in protecting against child marriage.
Bronze Age family systems deciphered: Mainz palaeogeneticists analyse a 3,800-year-old extended family
A groundbreaking study has unraveled the secrets of a 3,800-year-old extended family from a Bronze Age necropolis in the Russian steppe. The research reveals that most women buried in the kurgan were immigrants, while their sisters found new homes elsewhere, highlighting the importance of female marriage mobility in prehistoric societies.
FGM identified as a leading cause of death in African countries
A new study reveals that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a leading cause of death in African countries, resulting in estimated 44,320 excess deaths per year. The practice remains legal in five countries and requires cultural change to be effective.
Neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms are associated with the ending of marriages
A new study finds that severe behavioral symptoms in older adults are associated with a higher likelihood of divorce, while those with more advanced dementia are less likely to end their marriages. The research analyzed data from 263 married couples and found a positive correlation between neuropsychiatric symptoms and divorce risk.
Daughters breastfed longer, and women accumulated greater wealth in ancient California matriarchal society
In ancient California's San Francisco Bay Area, women played a crucial role in the economy, with mothers prioritizing their female offspring through extended breastfeeding. This practice may have led to female-biased wealth disparities, as older women were buried with greater wealth than men.
Conflict in marriage less harmful for kids when dad keeps it constructive
A new study from the University of Illinois found that fathers who use constructive conflict resolution strategies show more involvement and warmth towards their children, leading to positive child development. This approach can help minimize stress and promote healthier family dynamics.
New study challenges common perceptions of Victorian register office weddings
A new study analyzed data from 286 register office weddings between 1837 and 1901 and found that older couples, particularly those in their 40s, made up a significant proportion of these unions. Many of these marriages were also remarriages, with 16.7% of all marriages being stated as such.
Married people who cheat don’t regret it
A recent study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that married individuals who cheat report high levels of sexual and emotional satisfaction, but low levels of regret. The survey of over 2,000 Ashley Madison users revealed that fundamental problems with the relationship are often less cited as motivations for infidelity.
Married couples who merge finances may be happier, stay together longer
Research from Indiana University suggests that married couples who merge their finances are happier and fight less over money. The study found a causal relationship between joint bank accounts and improved relationship quality, including higher levels of communality within the marriage.
Marriage, children, sex-based differences in physician hours and income
A recent study of 95,000 U.S. physicians found that female physicians work significantly fewer hours than their male counterparts, resulting in a substantial earnings penalty. This disparity is attributed to societal and institutional barriers that discourage women from working long hours.
Lifelong marriage lowers risk of dementia
A recent large study suggests that being divorced or single increases the risk of dementia. However, researchers found a surprising result: having children reduced the risk of dementia by 60% among unmarried people.
Elio Antonio de Nebrija: from academic icon to object of mockery
A 17th-century satire on marriage employs fragments from Elio Antonio de Nebrija's Latin grammar to justify arguments. The study highlights Nebrija's significant role as a Latinist over his Spanish grammar.
Negative marital communications leave literal, figurative wounds
Research suggests that avoiding or withdrawing from tough conversations can lead to emotional distress, bad feelings about the relationship, chronic inflammation, and lowered immune function. Couples who exhibit negative communication patterns report fewer positive emotions and slower wound healing.
Marriage in Minoan Crete
Researchers analyzed 100 ancient genomes to understand kinship and marriage rules in Minoan Crete and Mycenaean Greece. They found that cousin marriages were common, with over 90% of sons marrying within their own family's hamlet.
Couples don’t have the same experience when both work from home
A study of dual-earner couples in China and South Korea found that working from home can create conflicting demands on both spouses. While wives completed more family-related tasks when working from home, husbands did not complete as many, suggesting a need for flexibility in work arrangements to support working parents.
Marital stress linked to worse recovery after heart attack
Researchers found that marital stress among younger adults (ages 18–55 years) is associated with poorer recovery after a heart attack. The study of over 1,593 participants showed that higher levels of marital stress were linked to reduced physical and mental health outcomes.
Stronger religious beliefs linked to higher levels of sexual satisfaction, study shows
A new study finds that individuals with stronger religious beliefs tend to have lower sex drives but are more content with their sex lives overall. Researchers also discovered a significant association between educational attainment and reduced sexual satisfaction.
Men have high probability of outliving women, especially the married and degree educated
A statistical analysis of 200 years of data across all continents reveals that between 25-50% of men outlive women, particularly in developed countries. The study highlights the impact of education, marital status, and external factors on sex differences in lifespan.
Bariatric surgery linked to doubling chance of marriage or divorce
A new analysis led by University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health epidemiologists found that adults who undergo bariatric surgery are more than twice as likely to get married within five years. Conversely, married patients who receive bariatric surgery are more than twice as likely to get divorced.
Love isn’t the drug - oxytocin supplements unlikely to mend marriages
Researchers at University of Essex found no benefit from oxytocin administration on healthy men's ability to recognize emotions. Computer-based emotional training programs proved more effective in improving emotion recognition and mental health.
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.