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Achieving 'adulthood' is more elusive; transition to adulthood occurring at a later age

The traditional definition of adulthood is shifting, with education, employment, and financial independence becoming key markers. Researchers found that it takes longer for young adults to become self-sufficient, with many living in their parents' homes or requiring financial assistance from their families.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateAug 2, 2004

Some married couples will do better by lowering expectations, study finds

Researchers found that couples who have accurate pictures of their relationship, even if it's not ideal, tend to experience lower declines in marital satisfaction. In contrast, those with high expectations but poor relationship skills show steep declines in satisfaction over time. Lowering expectations may benefit couples with good rel...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 11, 2004

Cohabiting couples not likely to marry, study finds

A recent study by Ohio State University found that only about 40% of cohabiting couples eventually get married. The research also discovered that men with high economic prospects and similar couples were not more likely to tie the knot than others. In fact, consensus regarding marriage plans was a key predictor of whether cohabiting co...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 2, 2004

Marriage promotion plan must take social science research into account

A marriage promotion plan should prioritize social science research, acknowledging that single-parent families can be beneficial for children with adequate support. Cherlin's research highlights the limited value of traditional programs and the importance of addressing underlying factors such as lower income and mental health issues.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateNov 17, 2003

Living together before marriage: Now common but still risky

A new study from Penn State found that couples who lived together before marriage reported less happiness and more marital conflict than those who did not. The researchers suggest that personal characteristics and cohabitation experience play important roles in predicting marital quality and stability.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateAug 4, 2003

The more things change, the more marriages stay the same

Despite minimal changes in marital happiness and divorce rates, researchers found a decline in shared activities among couples. Equalitarian marriages have a positive impact on marital quality, while cohabitation before marriage leads to lower marital satisfaction.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJun 5, 2003

UF study: Marriage can reduce life of crime

A University of Florida study found that married individuals, particularly whites, are less likely to recommit crimes. In contrast, unmarried men, including those from minority groups, are more likely to engage in criminal activity due to the lack of structured schedules and employment.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateSep 12, 2002

Promoting marriage may not benefit all children

A recent study published in Child Development found that black children in single-parent households do as well as those in two-parent homes in terms of math scores and delinquency. The study suggests that policies promoting marriage may have little effect on black children, unlike white children

SourceCornell University·JournalChild Development·DateSep 9, 2002

Disaster increases marriages, births and divorces

A Penn State study found that disasters like Hurricane Hugo increase marriages, births, and divorces in affected areas. The study analyzed marriage, birth, and divorce records in South Carolina before and after the hurricane, finding a significant increase in all three life changes in disaster-affected counties.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateMar 15, 2002

Trimming the Christmas tree or lighting menorah candles together may strengthen your marriage

A new study finds that participating in religious holiday rituals can make couples more satisfied with their marriages. Researchers discovered that the meaning created in shared rituals has a stronger impact on marital satisfaction than just practicing these routines or the importance of religion in the family.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateDec 9, 2001

Parental marital discord affects quality of offspring marriages

A longitudinal study by Dr. Alan Booth and Dr. Paul R. Amato found that parental marital discord impacts offspring marriages, including the degree of matrimonial happiness or conflict. The transmission of poor interpersonal behaviors from parents can result in lower quality marriages among children.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 26, 2001

Bad marriages exacerbate high blood pressure

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that unhappy marriages increase blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, while good marriages are protective. Participants who experienced marital discord had a statistically significant thickening of the heart's left ventricle after three years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 13, 2000

I love you, but you're making me sick

A new study found that people in unhappy relationships with mild high blood pressure experience sustained increases in blood pressure, while those in loving relationships show a decrease. The research suggests that marital distress may be a significant factor in raising blood pressure in vulnerable individuals.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 12, 2000

Arrival of first baby doesn't mean wife's marital satisfaction has to take big nose dive

Research from the University of Washington suggests that building fondness and affection, being responsive to each other's lives, and approaching problems together can help new parents maintain stable or improved marital satisfaction. Despite initial reports of decline, many couples adapt and even strengthen their relationships during ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateOct 23, 2000

Marriage, alcohol and violence

Research from the Buffalo Newlywed Study suggests that excessive alcohol use can lead to marital aggression, but only within a specific context. The study found that different drinking patterns by husband and wife can be an additional source of conflict. Verbal aggression in the first year of marriage often develops into physically agg...

First three minutes of discussion about on-going area of marital conflict are predictive of divorce among newlywed couples

Researchers at University of Washington found that couples who later divorced displayed significantly more negative emotions and words in their initial discussions compared to those who stayed married. The study suggests that learning how to soften one's approach and improve emotional connectedness can help prevent divorce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFamily Process·DateSep 27, 1999

Strength of beliefs intensify sense of loss

A new study by University of Iowa sociologists demonstrates that differences in people's beliefs about marriage are pivotal in explaining the mental health impact of transitions into marriage, divorce and separation. Beliefs in the permanence and desirability of marriage influence both negative and positive effects on depression.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 20, 1999

Money, Jobs Decide Who Cohabits Or Marries

A new Cornell University study suggests that cohabitation is driven by economic factors rather than weak family values. Women who cohabit tend to earn more than single or married women, while men who cohabit have lower earning potential and less stable job histories.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Forces·DateFeb 8, 1999

Two-Incomers Want Less, Housewives More

A recent study by Cornell University sociologist Marin Clarkberg found that only 10 percent of couples prefer the traditional breadwinner/full-time housewife family model, yet 25 percent end up fitting this mold. Women are particularly affected, with many wanting to work part-time but unable to find opportunities due to the all-or-noth...

Husband's Willingness To Be Influenced By Wife, Share Power Are Key Predictors Of Newlywed Happiness, Stability, UW Study Shows

A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and the Family found that husbands' acceptance of influence from their wives and sharing power are crucial for successful marriages. The research, conducted over six years, showed that active listening techniques do not predict marital success and may even hinder conflict resolution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 20, 1998