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At last, acknowledging royal women's political power

A recent study analyzing eight premodern states reveals that queen rulers and main wives exercised significant political power, including determining succession, governing policies, and influencing alliances. These women often wielded comparable power to their male counterparts, with agency extending beyond warfare.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 16, 2019

Same-sex marriage legalization associated with reduced anti-gay bias in the US

A new study by McGill University researchers found that state legislation played a significant role in reducing anti-gay bias in the US. By analyzing data from over 1 million respondents, the team discovered that laws supporting same-sex marriage led to a sharp decline in biases, with the effect being roughly double the previous rate.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

For some people, attractive wives and high status husbands enhance marital quality

A recent study found that individuals who prioritize making the best choices in their relationships, known as maximizers, tend to be more satisfied in their marriages. Maximizing men with attractive wives reported higher satisfaction, while maximizing women with high-status husbands experienced less decline in satisfaction over time.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 28, 2019

Happy in marriage? Genetics may play a role

A new study found that couples with the GG genotype in the oxytocin gene receptor reported greater marital satisfaction and feelings of security. This genetic variation affects social bonding and is linked to personality traits such as emotional stability and empathy.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2019

Federal same-sex marriage ruling improved life satisfaction for individuals, study shows

Researchers found that psychological distress dropped and life satisfaction increased after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, with improvements felt regardless of marital status. The study also showed that those who were more distressed before the ruling experienced greater improvement afterwards.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateFeb 27, 2019

Your genes could impact the quality of your marriage

A study at Binghamton University found that variation on the Oxytocin Receptor gene impacts marital quality by influencing how partners provide and receive support from each other. Couples with certain genotypes, particularly those associated with social deficits, reported lower satisfaction with their marriages.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2019

Study suggests shifts in Afghan attitudes towards increased education and delayed marriage

A study published by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found significant shifts in Afghan attitudes towards education and child marriage in underdeveloped regions. The research, conducted among nearly 1,400 Afghans aged 12-15 and their parents, indicates that getting married at a young age and leaving school early have be...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 18, 2018

Is student debt keeping Americans away from marriage?

Research shows that modern couples are delaying marriage to focus on paying off student loans and saving. The study highlights how attitudes towards marriage, living together, and debt have changed over two generations, suggesting that debt is becoming a barrier to marriage.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateSep 26, 2018

Recent trends of marriage in Iran

Declining formal marriages in Iran may be attributed to economic factors and changing attitudes towards marriage, according to recent studies. Researchers have linked the trend to a lack of well-paid jobs and high housing costs, suggesting complementary explanations for the shift.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Family Studies Journal·DateMay 16, 2018

Equal earnings help couples say 'I do' and stay together

A recent study by Patrick Ishizuka at Cornell University suggests that cohabitating couples are more likely to get married when they earn as much as their married peers. When both partners have equal earnings, they are less likely to separate. The study validates a theory called the marriage bar, which states that couples who reach a c...

SourceCornell University·JournalDemography·DateApr 12, 2018

Predictors for infidelity and divorce highlighted in new research

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who quickly disengage their attention from attractive partners are less likely to engage in infidelity. Conversely, those who take longer to look away from romantic alternatives have a higher risk of infidelity. Additionally, devaluing potentia...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Couple up for long-term happiness

Research from the British Household Panel Survey shows married couples have a higher sense of well-being than singles. Those who consider their spouse as their best friend experience the largest benefits, suggesting a lifelong positive effect on happiness.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateDec 19, 2017

Marriage may help stave off dementia

A synthesis of 15 studies found that married people had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to lifelong singletons and widowers. The researchers suggest that marriage may promote healthier lifestyles and social engagement among couples, which can contribute to a lower risk of dementia.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateNov 28, 2017

Co-parenting after the end of a violent marriage: What does the first year look like?

A recent study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that women who experienced coercive controlling violence in their marriages continued to experience higher levels of harassment, conflict, and volatility from their former partners during the first year. In contrast, women who experienced situational couple violence saw ...

Risk factors for heart health linked to marital ups and downs -- at least for men

A study found that changes in marital relationship quality over time are associated with variations in cardiovascular risk factors for men. Improving relationships were linked to lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and relatively lower weight, while deteriorating relationships were associated with worsening diastolic blood pressure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 9, 2017

Should I stay or should I leave?

A new study investigates the decision-making process in relationships, revealing common pros and cons of staying versus leaving. Participants weighed reasons such as emotional intimacy, investment, and personality traits, with married individuals citing more constraint-based reasons for staying.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 17, 2017

How marriage may protect transgender couples

A national study by Michigan State University found that married transgender couples are less likely to experience discrimination than their unmarried counterparts. The study analyzed data from 4,286 transgender participants and found that married individuals faced lower levels of transphobia and discrimination in various domains of life.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 25, 2017

Marriage makes men fatter, shows new research

A new study from the University of Bath's School of Management shows that marriage is associated with weight gain in men, adding approximately three pounds to their BMI. The early days of fatherhood also contribute to this effect, while a decrease in male BMI is observed during the period just before and after divorce.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 21, 2017

Delaying marriage in developing countries benefits children

A new study by the University of Sussex reveals that delaying marriage for young women in developing countries has significant positive effects on their children's wellbeing. The research found that children of women who get married later are more likely to complete vaccinations, have better grades, and be healthier.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateApr 4, 2017