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Heart hazards of woeful wives

A University of Utah study finds that women in troubled marriages are more likely to experience depression, high blood pressure, and obesity, which can increase the risk of heart disease. In contrast, men in strained marriages do not face an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for heart disease.

Cousin marriage laws outdated

A population genetics expert argues that cousin marriage laws are ill-advised due to a smaller risk of birth defects than previously assumed. The laws, which vary by state in the US, reflect outmoded prejudices and oversimplified views of heredity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 22, 2008

Anti-same-sex marriage amendments spark distress among GLBT adults and families, says new research

Research by the American Psychological Association found that living in a state with anti-GLBT legislation leads to increased minority stress and psychological distress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Social support from communities and allies played a crucial role in mitigating these effects.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateNov 18, 2008

Serial cohabiters less likely than others to marry

A new study found that serial cohabiters are less likely than single-instance cohabiting unions to result in marriage. Serial cohabiters who married had even higher divorce rates compared to those who cohabited only once, with over twice the rate of women who cohabited with their eventual husbands.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateNov 6, 2008

Attending religious services predictive of fidelity

A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family reveals that attending religious services is predictive of marital fidelity. The researchers found that prayer, faith, and other dimensions of religious life had no association with infidelity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateApr 10, 2008

LSU spotlights strong African American marriages

Research by Louisiana State University sheds light on positive, long-lasting African American marriages, challenging the 'deficit perspective' that emphasizes problems. The study reveals four key themes: overcoming external challenges, resolving intramarital conflict, and maintaining unity through shared values.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalFamily Relations·DateApr 3, 2008

Early living together, marriage and parenting benefits some young adults

A Penn State study found that early living together, marriage, and parenting can have positive benefits for some young adults, particularly those from low-income families. The researchers compared depressive symptoms between those who made an early family transition and those who did not, and found few differences between the two groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 28, 2008

'Kissing cousins'

A study on Bedouin villages in Lebanon found that first-cousin marriages increase infant mortality risk, but short birth intervals have a more significant impact. The research analyzed 1,399 children and found that infants born to first cousins have over double the odds of dying compared to non-first cousins.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateSep 25, 2007

Are civil unions a 600-year-old tradition?

A new study suggests that homosexual civil unions may have existed in France six centuries ago, challenging common assumptions about the history of same-sex relationships. The affrèrement, a medieval legal contract, provided a framework for non-nuclear households and shared characteristics with marriage contracts.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Modern History·DateAug 23, 2007

New study reports on the state of human happiness

A new study reviews recent research suggesting that adaptation to changing life circumstances is not as universal as previously thought. The study found that people adapt quickly to marriage, but take longer to recover from divorce or unemployment. Additionally, individual differences play a significant role in adapting to life events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMar 5, 2007

Immigration slows rate of racial and ethnic intermarriages

A new study finds that immigration has contributed to declines in interracial marriages in the US, particularly among Hispanic and Asian Americans. Education plays a key role in defining who participates in interracial marriages, with highly educated individuals more likely to cross racial lines to marry. African American intermarriage...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 6, 2007

Too many men could destabilize society

A recent study warns that a surplus of men in societies favoring male babies could lead to increased antisocial behavior, violence, and organized crime. The distortion of natural sex ratios has resulted in an estimated 80 million missing females in India and China alone.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2006

Never marrieds run highest risk of early death

A recent study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that never-married individuals are 58% more likely to die between 1989 and 1997 compared to their married peers. The 'never married penalty' is higher for those in excellent health, but not among the poor or elderly.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 9, 2006

The night shift may lead to family nightmares

A study of over 4,000 dual-earner households with children aged 2-11 found that non-standard work schedules can negatively impact family functioning and child well-being. The effects were particularly strong for preschool-aged children, highlighting a challenge to the assumption that non-standard work is 'family friendly'.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateApr 12, 2006

Women still secondary breadwinners in marriages

Despite increased participation in the workforce, women remain secondary breadwinners in marriages, with a significant proportion earning substantially more than their husbands. The study found that only 24% of wives have an income equal to that of their husbands, highlighting the persistent gender gap in family financial arrangements.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJan 26, 2006

People in committed relationships are happier

A Cornell University study reveals that people in committed relationships experience higher levels of happiness and well-being compared to those in casual relationships. The stronger the relationship's commitment, the greater the happiness and sense of well-being among partners.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateDec 1, 2005

Unwed mothers are less likely to marry, study shows

A new study by Cornell University researcher Daniel Lichter found that unwed mothers are less likely to improve their socio-economic status through marriage. Married women with children are significantly less likely to be poor than unmarried mothers, with only 6% of couples living below the poverty line.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Forces·DateSep 27, 2005

Bring home the bacon

Research by Suraj Commuri and James Gentry found that women earning more than their spouses do not simultaneously earn domestic power, despite previous theories suggesting a shift in decision-making authority. The study highlights the need for further examination of household forms and consumption decisions influenced by factors such a...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 18, 2005

Women more financially vulnerable post break-up

A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family reveals that women are more financially vulnerable after a break-up, with a 33.1% drop in household income compared to 10% for men. The percentage of women living in poverty increases from 20% to almost 30%, particularly among African American and Hispanic women.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateApr 26, 2005

Former UNC students report mindfulness meditation helps relationships

A study conducted by Dr. James Carson and his wife Kimberly found that mindfulness meditation can help couples reduce interpersonal stress and boost their satisfaction with each other by 50%. The eight-week training sessions taught couples how to become more aware of the present moment and direct positive feelings toward their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateFeb 7, 2005