The longitudinal Rice University Portraits of American Life Study found that Americans are more respectful towards religious traditions, but also more divided on key social issues like marriage and abortion. The study also revealed shifts in moral reasoning and religious affiliation, with significant implications for politics and society.
A recent University of Chicago study reveals that couples who met online have higher marital satisfaction and lower break-up rates. The research found that online relationships benefit from selectivity and advance screening, providing a larger pool of prospective partners.
A University of Illinois study found that good marriage can buffer the effects of a dad's depression on his young children. When fathers report high emotional intimacy in their marriage, their children benefit from improved father-child interaction.
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 ...
The study found that couples with larger age gaps have lower earnings, less education, and reduced cognitive abilities. Physical attractiveness was also negatively affected in these relationships. The researchers suggest that social networks play a key role in shaping marriage choices and earning potential.
A new study found that young newlyweds who are satisfied with their marriage tend to gain weight over time, increasing the risk of various health problems. The research suggests that spouses who are satisfied in their relationship may be less motivated to maintain their weight due to a focus on appearance rather than health.
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.
A Danish study found that men in same-sex marriages have lower mortality rates than unmarried or divorced men since the 1990s. In contrast, women in same-sex marriages have higher mortality rates, particularly from suicide and cancer, compared to married women of opposite sex.
A new Rutgers study reveals that education's protective effect on marriage varies significantly between white and African-American women. The study found that for African-American women, higher education does not necessarily lead to a lower chance of divorce.
Between 2011 and 2020, over 140 million girls will become child brides, with 50 million under 15. This practice increases the risk of intimate partner violence and HIV infection. The UN calls for an end to child marriage by 2030 to meet Millennium Development Goals.
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...
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.
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.
Research suggests that happy marriages improve both partners' spirits and well-being, while lower stress levels. Health professionals are advised to consider patients' personal relationships when designing health promotion programs or treatment plans.
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.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that both heavy and incompatible drinking can increase the chances of divorce. The research suggests that excessive alcohol use disrupts daily tasks and functioning, leading to spousal conflicts and a higher risk of marital dissolution.
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.
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.
A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that sex frequency is linked to the types of household chores each spouse completes, rather than just the division of labor. Married couples who follow traditional gender roles around the house reported greater sexual frequency.
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...
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.
A study on life-changing experiences found that 14 participants underwent profound, sudden, and lasting change, mirroring Scrooge's transformation. The researchers suggest that the presence of a trusted other person can facilitate faith in what's possible.
A new study found that writing about emotions after a divorce can actually increase emotional distress in some individuals, particularly those prone to rumination. Non-expressive control writing may provide greater healing benefits for these individuals.
A national study found that college students think 25 years old is the ideal age to get married, differing from their parents' views. According to the research, parental generation is showing a 'slow down' mindset more than young adults.
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.
A University of Alberta researcher warns that couples should address relationship doubts before getting married. The study found that more confident couples spent more time together and stayed happy over a four-year period.
A general practitioner shares her frustrating experience with a bureaucratic sickness benefit system. The system requires patients to wait on hold, answer lengthy questions, and provide multiple documents, which can be overwhelming for those who are already unwell.
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.
Married men tend to consume fewer drinks than single, divorced, or widowed men due to their wives' lower levels of drinking. In contrast, long-term married women often consume more drinks than recently divorced or widowed women, who may experience increased drinking after a divorce.
A new study examines the costs of forgiveness in marriage, suggesting that temporary expressions of anger can benefit long-term relationship health. The research also highlights the importance of attachment styles in close relationships, finding that anxious attachment can predict depression and anxiety over time.
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...
A large national study found that marriage does not boost longevity for black Americans in the same way it does for white Americans. Black couples who live together without marrying have similar mortality rates as married black couples.
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.
A new study by UCLA psychologists reveals that low-income individuals hold traditional values towards marriage and divorce, similar to those of the middle class and rich. However, their lower marriage rates and higher out-of-wedlock births remain unexplained, as values do not always predict behavior.
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.
A new study found that gay and lesbian couples are more likely to engage in mutual health behaviors, while straight couples rely on one partner as the 'health expert.' The research also suggests that societal conditions can shape health behavior dynamics in intimate partnerships.
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.
Research suggests that federal programs promoting healthy marriages in poor couples are ineffective, with some even causing detrimental effects. The programs failed to address more pressing concerns such as poverty, education, and healthcare.
A Baylor University study reveals that married couples tend to express anger in situations where there is an overall climate of anger, rather than in the moments they feel most angry. This can lead to a trap of continued anger expression, making it difficult for partners to recognize and respond to their emotional needs.
A new study finds that girl child marriage rates have declined in some South Asian countries, including India, Nepal, and Pakistan, but not among older girls. The rate of marriages among girls under 14 has decreased significantly, while those between 16-17 years old show little change.
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.
Traditional forms of polygamy are inherently unequal due to a central spouse dividing rights and obligations among multiple spouses. Modifications like polyfidelity and molecular marriage could eliminate these inequalities by promoting equal sharing of rights, responsibilities, and benefits among all spouses.
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.
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.
A new BYU study found that online role-playing games can hurt real-life marital satisfaction, with 75% of spouses wishing their partner would spend less time gaming and more on their marriage. However, for couples who game together, interacting with each other's avatars leads to higher marital satisfaction.
A recent study by UCLA psychologists analyzed 172 married couples over 11 years, finding that a deeper level of commitment is a better predictor of lower divorce rates and fewer problems in marriage. Couples who were willing to make sacrifices within their relationships were more effective in solving their problems.
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.
A new study by Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu found that divorce hurts people's health more at earlier ages. The research journal Social Science & Medicine revealed that older people have more coping skills to deal with the stress of divorce.
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.
A new study reveals that married couples experience fewer benefits in well-being, health, and social ties compared to unmarried cohabiting couples. Over time, the advantages of marriage decrease, while cohabiting couples report greater happiness and self-esteem.
A study by Cornell University reveals that over two-thirds of cohabitating couples fear dealing with divorce's social, legal, emotional, and economic consequences. Middle-class subjects are more favorable towards marriage than their working-class counterparts, who view it as having little benefits.
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...
American Indians with African ancestry outperformed 'full bloods' in reproductive success due to genetic, cultural, and socio-economic factors. Their increased fertility helped mixed blood populations grow rapidly compared to full blood groups during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A new study by Adrienne Jackson found that frequency of sexual activity is a significant predictor of both general and marital happiness among older married individuals. The research, based on data from the 2004 General Social Surveys, revealed that almost 60% of those who engaged in sex more than once a month reported being very happy...
A new 19-year study from Oregon State University reveals that fatherhood leads to significant decreases in crime, tobacco, and alcohol use in men. This finding suggests that becoming a father can be a transformative experience for men engaging in high-risk behavior.
A recent study found that conservatives exhibited stronger physiological reactions to disgusting images, particularly those related to gay marriage. The research suggests that people's political orientations are reflected in their biology, with certain attitudes becoming ingrained in the body.
A study by Brigham Young University found that materialistic couples score lower on marriage stability and conflict resolution than non-materialistic couples. Couples where both partners are materialistic experience eroding communication and poor conflict resolution.
A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that individuals lacking personal wealth are significantly less likely to enter into a first marriage. The research suggests that wealth plays an important role in marriage decisions, with owning a car increasing the probability of getting married by 2.6 percentage points.
Public attitudes toward gays and lesbians are changing to reflect greater acceptance, with younger generations at the forefront. A significant trend toward greater tolerance regarding homosexuality has emerged, particularly in support for same-sex marriage.
Marriages between African Americans and whites increased rapidly between 1980 and 2008, but the total number remains smaller than those between whites and other groups. The study found that education played a key role in bridging racial gaps, with highly educated blacks and whites more likely to intermarry.