Surveyed 575 newly married couples in 1972 and 425 divorced couples in 1975 to examine risk factors leading to divorce in Estonia, USSR. Found risk factors included an unstable parental home, unsuitable age at marriage, and duration of courtship. Incompatibility of value orientation and role expectation were other factors. (JAC)

Expresses concern over increasing number of divorces in Soviet Union. Offers reasons gleaned from survey research. Concludes that one of reasons for fragility of marriage today is misunderstanding of true meaning of family and inability to protect values. Warns that young people are being prepared only for work to the detriment of their health and…