Child marriage remains widespread in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa
More than one third of girls marry before reaching their 18th birthday in half of the 31 countries studied, posing health risks and controlling issues.
Marriage
Articles tagged with Marriage
State same-sex marriage policies associated with reduced teen suicide attempts
A nationwide analysis suggests same-sex marriage policies were associated with a 7% reduction in suicide attempts among adolescents. Same-sex marriage policies were found to be concentrated among adolescents who were sexual minorities, resulting in over 134,000 fewer adolescents attempting suicide annually.
Same-sex marriage legalization linked to reduction in suicide attempts among teens
Research suggests that state-level same-sex marriage policies are associated with a significant reduction in adolescent suicide attempts, particularly among gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents. The study found a seven percent reduction in suicide attempts among high school students generally.
Married people have lower levels of stress hormone
A recent Carnegie Mellon University study found that married individuals have lower cortisol levels than those who are single, divorced, or widowed. This biological evidence supports the notion that unmarried people face more psychological stress than their married counterparts.
For decision-makers who want the best, focus on the strategy
Research shows that people who focus on finding the best option (maximizers) may experience frustration and regret when re-evaluating their choices. Maximizing can lead to depression, lower life satisfaction, and procrastination. On the other hand, a strategic approach to decision-making can lead to satisfying outcomes.
SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 13, 2017
Older adults embracing 'living apart together'
Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.
The Hillary Rodham/Clinton dilemma: To change a last name or not?
Research by Emily Fitzgibbons Shafer found that lower-educated men hold women with different surnames to harsher standards, while educated men are more accepting. A study of US residents found that 94% of women take their husband's surname after marriage.
Moralistic thinking on political left, right not so different
A new study reveals that liberals and conservatives share similar moral roots, particularly concerning sanctity, making constructive discussion challenging. The findings suggest a stalemate in the culture war due to each side considering certain issues as sacrosanct or fair for revision.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnalyses of Social Issues and Public Policy·DateJan 9, 2017
Political left, right both inspired by utopian hopes
A new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that people on both the left and right are motivated by promoting their preferred future, rather than fear of non-preferred policies. This moral investment leads to increased activism behaviors such as voting, donating, and volunteering.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 5, 2016
China's 'missing girls' theory likely far overblown, study shows
A University of Kansas study suggests that China's one-child policy led to an underreported number of births, rather than a large-scale sex-selective abortion. The researchers found that local government officials made agreements with farmers to allow extra children in exchange for social stability, resulting in a significant number of...
Wives with a 'soul mate' view of marriage are less likely to volunteer, study finds
A Baylor University study found that wives who have a romantic view of marriage are less likely to do volunteer work, leading their husbands to volunteer less as well. The researchers also discovered that time spent alone with one's spouse is positively associated with husbands' reports of their own volunteering.
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.
Study finds link between marriage attitudes and risky sexual behaviors
Researchers found that positive attitudes towards marriage dampen risky behaviors among lighter-skinned African Americans and Asians, but have little effect on darker-skinned individuals. The study suggests that promoting healthy attitudes toward romantic relationships could encourage better decision-making and behaviors.
The connection between child marriage and domestic violence
A study of 34 countries found that women married before age 15 are at increased risk for domestic violence. Women who marry as children often experience spousal age gaps, power imbalances, social isolation, and lack of female autonomy, which contribute to higher rates of domestic violence.
Changing attitudes on genital cutting through entertainment
Researchers created movies addressing personal values and future marriage prospects to challenge negative attitudes, with a persistent effect lasting at least a week. The approach shows promise in increasing discussion and sustainable change through entertainment-embedded public information.
Childhood family environment linked with relationship quality 60 years later
A study of 81 men found that those with nurturing childhood environments were more likely to have secure attachments to their romantic partners late in life. This association was partially explained by better emotion regulation skills in midlife, which predicted more secure marriages.
'Culture of affluence' complicates women's help-seeking for domestic violence
A new study suggests that affluent women's ability to seek help for domestic violence is hindered by societal expectations of perfectionism and social status. Women who 'bought in' to the culture of affluence reported feeling pressured to maintain a happy family image, preventing them from disclosing abuse.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateOct 3, 2016
Beginning pornography use associated with increase in probability of divorce
A new study finds that starting to watch pornography is associated with a higher likelihood of divorce among married Americans, especially women. The study, which analyzed nationally representative data, suggests that viewing pornography can negatively impact marital stability under certain social conditions.
Study finds bias, disgust toward mixed-race couples
Research from University of Washington suggests that despite high levels of reported acceptance, bias against mixed-race couples persists in the US. The study found a strong negative correlation between bias and disgust, as well as activation in the insula brain region when viewing images of interracial couples.
Study finds couples' division of paid and unpaid labor linked to risk of divorce
A new study suggests that couples' division of paid and unpaid labor is associated with the risk of divorce, even after adjusting for financial resources. Wives' ability to support themselves financially in the event of a divorce does not determine marital stability.
Even thinking about marriage gets young people to straighten up
Researchers found that teenagers and young adults who expected to get married within five years committed fewer delinquent acts in the next year. The study suggests that the expectation of marriage may change behavior, as people may feel pressure to act more like an adult to gain social acceptance.
Income inequality leads millennials to start families before marriage
A Johns Hopkins University study finds that areas with high income inequality have fewer good jobs for young adults, leading them to start families without getting married first. The study of 9,000 millennials found that women and men who didn't graduate from college had a higher likelihood of having children outside of marriage.
Millennials and marrying young: Like mother, like child
A new study found that daughters and sons of mothers who married young are more likely to want to marry in their late teens or early 20s, while those whose moms divorced tend to delay marriage. This suggests that children's marital expectations may be influenced by their parents' choices.
No dessert for you! When it comes to diabetes, 'nagging is caring'
A national study led by Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu found that for men, an unhappy marriage may actually slow the development of diabetes and promote successful treatment once they do get the disease. Women with good-quality marriages were more likely to have a lower risk of developing diabetes five years later.
Why is female sexuality more flexible than male sexuality?
A new evolutionary theory suggests women's sexual desires can change based on partner, reproductive status, and circumstances, reducing conflict in polygamous marriages. This theory may explain puzzles in human sex research, such as differences in female and male homosexuality.
Does frequent sex lead to better relationships? Depends on how you ask
Researchers found no correlation between self-reported relationship satisfaction and sexual frequency, but automatic behavioral responses revealed a positive link between the two. Studies showed that couples who had sex more frequently were more likely to associate their partners with positive attributes.
Brief face-to-face talk can shift anti-transgender attitudes
A study found that brief face-to-face conversations with Florida residents measurably changed attitudes toward transgender people, with effects lasting beyond 3 months. The approach, developed by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, involved strategies to facilitate active processing and reflected experiences of prejudice.
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.
New Population Council evidence shows what works to delay child marriage in Bangladesh
A randomized controlled trial found that education support, gender rights awareness, and livelihoods skills training significantly reduced child marriage rates. Girls participating in the program were also more likely to attend school and earn an income.
New research shows quasars slowed star formation
A team of astronomers has found evidence that quasars' energy feedback may have slowed down star formation in the universe about 11 billion years ago. The study used data from multiple telescopes to detect the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect, a phenomenon caused by high-energy electrons disturbing the Cosmic Microwave Background.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2016
High standards produce mixed effects on marriages
A recent study found that high standards in marriage improve satisfaction only in strong marriages, while eroding relationships in less strong marriages. Couples who work well together are better able to meet higher standards and show high satisfaction, whereas those who don't work well together do poorly on both fronts.
SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 16, 2016
Why people oppose same-sex marriage
A UCLA psychology study concludes that many people oppose same-sex marriage due to perceived promiscuity among gay individuals, threatening their own marriages and way of life. The researchers measured attitudes and found a strong association between gay couples and the concept of promiscuity.
Learning from the past: What yesterday's media can tell us about the times
A study found that historically black newspapers covered the 1967 Supreme Court case on interracial marriage similarly to mainstream media, challenging common assumptions about their content. Researchers used this finding to highlight the importance of considering diverse perspectives in reporting on civil rights issues.
Timing of first childbirth influences women's health at age 40
A new study found that women who had their first child in their early 20s didn't report better health at midlife than those who waited until they were over 24. In fact, single black women who had a child and later married reported worse health at midlife compared to those who stayed single.
SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 14, 2015
Timing of first childbirth influences women's health at age 40
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that women who had their first child in early adulthood tend to report worse health at midlife than those who waited until they were older. Single black women, in particular, face worse health if they get married after having a child outside of marriage.
Live together or get married? Study finds similar emotional benefits
A new study by Ohio State University found that young couples experience a similar decline in emotional distress when moving in together as they do getting married. Men experienced a drop in emotional distress only when going directly to marriage, while women saw the same benefits from cohabitation. The study suggests an evolving role ...
Saying I do
A study by UC Santa Barbara demographer Shelly Lundberg and economist Robert Pollak finds that marriage rates have declined among those with lower education levels, while college-educated couples marry earlier and their marriages are more stable. High-income parents invest more time and resources in children, making long-term commitmen...
Often decried, polygyny may sometimes have advantages
A new study finds that polygynous households in northern Tanzania have better access to food and healthier children, as well as more cattle and farmed land. However, the practice is associated with low food security and poor child health in marginalized ethnic groups.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2015
The power of thank you: UGA research links gratitude to positive marital outcomes
A new University of Georgia research study links gratitude to improved marital quality, finding that spousal expressions of gratitude are the most consistent significant predictor. Gratitude can counteract negative communication patterns and promote positive marital outcomes, even during stressful times.
If it's not a norm, why practice female genital cutting?
New research questions prevailing theory on female genital cutting as a social norm, finding no correlation between community norms and cutting practices. Alternative forces like sexual fidelity benefits may sustain the practice, highlighting the need for more effective policy interventions.
Polygamy and alcohol linked to physical abuse in African marriages
Researchers found that women in polygamous marriages were 1.3-2 times more likely to experience physical violence than those in monogamous marriages. Additionally, women with alcoholic husbands faced a higher risk of physical abuse, particularly in Ghana and Malawi.
Unmarried women: Politically cohesive, more concerned about women's status
A new study by Oregon State University researchers reveals that unmarried women have high levels of gender linked fate, or the conviction that an individual's chances of success depend on the status of the group. This explains a significant amount of their political divergence from married women.
Women more likely than men to initiate divorces, but not non-marital breakups
A new study found that women are more likely to initiate divorces, but not non-marital breakups. Women initiated 69% of all divorces, while there was no significant difference in breakups initiated by unmarried women and men.
What are the health-related benefits of the marriage equality ruling for LGBT couples?
The US Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision reduces stigmatization and discrimination among LGBT individuals, leading to improved mental and physical health. The ruling also expands health coverage for same-sex couples and addresses barriers to care through employer insurance and tax benefits.
New research from the Population Council shows child marriage can be delayed
Researchers found that community conversations, educational support, conditional economic incentives, and combined approaches can significantly delay child marriage. In Ethiopia, offering education to girls aged 12-14 reduced marriage likelihood by 94%, while providing chickens resulted in a 50% reduction for those aged 15-17.
Marriage can lead to dramatic reduction in heavy drinking in young adults
Researchers found that marriage leads to a dramatic decrease in heavy drinking among young adults, particularly those with severe drinking issues. This 'marriage effect' may be due to role-incompatibility theory, which suggests that individuals must adapt their behavior to meet the demands of new roles like marriage.
Is marriage good or bad for the figure?
A comparative study of 9 European countries found that married couples have a higher body mass index than singles, with differences attributed to changes in eating behaviors. However, the study also shows that married couples tend to eat healthier, with increased consumption of regional and organic products.
Acceptance of working moms at all-time high
Research from San Diego State University reveals that societal acceptance of working mothers is at an all-time high among millennials. Attitudes towards women's work and family roles have changed significantly since the 1970s, with only 22% of 12th graders in the 2010s believing a preschool-aged child would suffer if their mother worked.
New UC study uncovers same-sex couples' opinions about marriage and cohabitation
A University of Cincinnati survey found that 90% of same-sex couples believe marrying is important to their relationship, with themes including legal benefits, relationship legitimacy, and equal commitment. In contrast to previous research, same-sex couples view cohabitation as a significant symbol of commitment.
People more likely to cheat as they become more economically dependent on their spouses
A study by Christin L. Munsch found that economic dependency increases the likelihood of cheating for both men and women, with men more likely to cheat when not primary breadwinners. Women who are primary breadwinners are less likely to cheat as they increase their income share.
Kissing cousins, arranged marriages and genetic diversity
A study examines the effects of arranged marriages on genetic diversity, finding that Rindi people's relaxed compliance with their marriage rules produces a genetic diversity similar to random mating. The researchers developed an open-source tool called SMARTPOP to analyze other marriage rules worldwide.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 12, 2015
ACP calls for policies to support transgender rights, same-sex marriage
The American College of Physicians recommends comprehensive transgender health care services in health benefits plans and civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. The organization also opposes 'conversion' therapy and aims to eliminate disparities in healthcare access for LGBT individuals.
Professional golfers live a lonely life in the midst of rivalries on a meager income
Research reveals that professional golfers experience intense feelings of loneliness and isolation due to long periods away from home and family. Many struggle financially, with top-level golfers barely scraping by while those in lower-level tours often lose money.
Educated women choosing to be mothers without marrying their spouses
A study led by Benoît Laplante finds that consensual unions have become increasingly popular among higher-income groups in Latin America. University-educated women are no longer limited to having children out of wedlock, as fertility rates correlate with living in a conjugal relationship rather than its legal nature.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 19, 2015
Out-of-wedlock childbearing increasingly common among educated women in Latin America
A study by Population Council reveals that consensual unions are becoming a common family arrangement for bearing children among educated women in Latin America. The trend is seen as a shift from limited economic and social opportunities, with educated women now entering these unions to have children.
A more tolerant America?
A recent study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that Americans are increasingly tolerant of people with different views and lifestyles, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, atheists, and have differing political beliefs. The study, which analyzed data from the General Social Survey, also found a decrease in toleranc...
Marriage more likely to end in divorce when wives get sick, according to ISU study
A new ISU study found a 6% higher probability of divorce for couples where the wife gets sick compared to those where the husband gets sick. The research suggests that primary caregiving duties can add stress to marriages.
Study: Manufacturing growth can benefit Bangladeshi women workers
Research reveals that Bangladeshi garment factory jobs lower the risk of early marriage and childbirth for young women, promoting their education. The industry's growth also boosts girls' educational attainment by 50% in areas close to factories.
Marital 'long-timers' have a 'modest rebound' in sexual frequency after 50 years
A study of over 1,600 older adults found that those in long-term marriages have a slight rebound in sexual frequency after 50 years. In contrast, remarried individuals have less frequent sex. Despite this, marriage order does not affect physical pleasure or emotional satisfaction.
Stress shared by same-sex couples can have unique health impacts
Researchers studying same-sex couples' stress levels and overall health have developed a new framework to understand the effects of minority stress. The study highlights how shared stress can affect relationships and quality of life for these couples.