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Higher child marriage rates associated with higher maternal and infant mortality

A study published in Violence Against Women reveals that countries with high girl child marriage rates have significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests a 70% reduction in maternal mortality could be achieved by reducing girl child marriage rates by just 10%. The findings support greater advocacy and ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalViolence Against Women·DateMay 13, 2013

New study suggests that same-sex parents are judged more harshly than heterosexual parents

A new study by Binghamton University researchers found that gay parents are judged more negatively than straight parents when displaying the same negative parenting behaviors. The study suggests that this prejudice can add stress to the already challenging job of parenthood and limit opportunities for adoption or foster care.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of GLBT Family Studies·DateMar 25, 2013

Health benefits of marriage may not extend to all

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that marriage provides less protection against mortality as health deteriorates. Married people tend to overestimate their own health, which can lead to a false sense of security. The study's findings suggest that marriage may be more beneficial for those in excellent health, but not f...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMar 5, 2013

Study: Same-sex cohabitors less healthy than those in heterosexual marriages

A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that same-sex cohabitors experience poorer self-rated health compared to their heterosexual married counterparts. The study controlled for socioeconomic status and found significant disparities in health between same-sex cohabitors and married individuals.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2013

Studying the health of same-sex couples

A national study found same-sex couples who cohabitate have poorer health than their heterosexual married counterparts, despite potential benefits from marriage such as partner insurance and social support. The research may suggest that legalizing same-sex marriage could positively impact the health of these individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2013

Health costs of income inequality in marriage, jealousy and parenting, humor and conflict

A new study finds that men whose wives earn more income are more likely to use erectile dysfunction medication, while wives who outearn their husbands suffer from insomnia. Humor can also be a double-edged sword in relationships, with some types of humor helping to diffuse tense conflicts and others eliciting negative responses.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 7, 2013

21 minutes to marital satisfaction

A brief writing intervention helped couples sustain marital satisfaction by reducing distress from conflicts and improving passion and intimacy. The intervention, which involved just three seven-minute writing exercises, was effective regardless of relationship duration.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 5, 2013

Study: Husbands who do more traditionally female housework have less sex

A new study by the American Sociological Association found that married men who spend more time on traditionally female household tasks report having less sex. The research also suggests that couples with more egalitarian divisions of labor have higher sexual frequency, highlighting the importance of socialized gender roles in marriage.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 30, 2013

Popping the question is his job

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that young adults overwhelmingly support traditional views on marriage proposals and taking a husband's last name. Researchers surveyed 277 undergraduates aged 17-26 and discovered that 68.4% of men and 66% of women prefer the man to propose, while 60.2% of women are willing...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Adolescent Research·DateJan 16, 2013

Marriage linked to better survival in middle age

A new study by Dr. Ilene Siegler and colleagues found that having a partner during middle age is protective against premature death. Married individuals had a significantly lower risk of dying early compared to those who never married or lost their partner, even after controlling for personality and health behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 10, 2013

Family commitment blended with strong religion dampens civic participation, Baylor researcher finds

A Baylor University sociologist found that blending family commitment with strong religion can dampen civic participation. The study, published in Social Science Research, analyzed data from the National Survey of Families and Households, suggesting that familistic individuals may have limited time and energy for secular organizations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateNov 15, 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

Understanding flirtation in negotiation, 'shooter bias,' love during marriage, and more

New studies examine the role of flirtation in negotiations, finding it signals self-interest and competitiveness; individuals concerned with future consequences exercise more and adopt healthier habits; shooter biases may be driven by interpersonal threats rather than culture or race; husbands and wives express love differently in marr...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 19, 2012

Female money doesn't buy male happiness

A new study by Patrick Coughlin and Jay Wade found that macho men who accept their partner's higher income have better quality relationships. Conversely, those with traditional masculinity ideologies report low-quality relationships due to the disparity in income.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 17, 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

Marriage may make people happier

Researchers found that married people tend to be happier than single individuals, as marriage stabilizes happiness levels despite life changes. Personality traits do not play a significant role in adapting to major events like marriage or job loss.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateMay 30, 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

More baby boomers facing old age alone

A study by Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research found that one-third of adults aged 45-63 are unmarried, with a more than 50% increase since 1980. Single baby boomers face economic and health vulnerabilities, including poverty, disability, and lack of health insurance.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 16, 2012

Marriage: A powerful heart drug in short supply

A new study by the American Sociological Association found that married adults undergoing heart surgery are more than three times as likely to survive the next three months compared to single individuals. The study also showed that marriage continues to provide a strong protective effect on survival for up to five years after surgery.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMar 6, 2012

College reduces odds for marriage among disadvantaged

A Cornell University study reveals that attending college lowers marriage chances for those from low-income backgrounds, but increases chances for those in higher social strata. Social and cultural factors, not just income, play a central role in marriage decisions, according to the research.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJan 31, 2012

Monogamy reduces major social problems of polygamist cultures

A new study by the University of British Columbia finds that monogamous marriage has lower levels of crime, violence, poverty, and gender inequality compared to polygynous societies. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamy reduces male competition, leading to improved child welfare and increased gender equality.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJan 23, 2012

Same-sex marriage laws reduce doctor visits and health care costs for gay men

A new study found that same-sex marriage laws in Massachusetts led to significant reductions in medical care visits and mental health care costs among gay and bisexual men. The study, which analyzed data from a large community-based health clinic, suggests that marriage equality may produce broad public health benefits by reducing stre...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 15, 2011