Defends authors' methodological approach to examining incongruity of marital sex role attitudes and satisfaction in their "Journal of Family Issues" (JFI) article, "Magnitude and Directional Effects of Marital Sex Role Incongruence and Marital Adjustment," from Gary Bowen's critique (JFI l0:416-419). Asserts that methodological approach used,…

A counselor describes feelings and attitudes of two young adults who see their marital problems as having begun with the birth of their severely disabled child. Counseling led to improved communication, better coping, and shared planning for the future. (DB)

Presents typical reactions of adolescents to parental divorce. School based groups for adolescents of divorce can ameliorate the stress and act as a container for reactive impulsive behavior. Educators with a family studies/home economics background are ideally suited to lead such school-based groups. Techniques for establishing and developing…

Discusses the consequences of teenage childbearing on the educational, economic, and marital attainment of the teenage mother. (SS)

The study examining records of 370 children seen by a Child Protection Service Unit found 41 (11 percent) were involved in custody/access disputes. Of these cases 31 were females, sexual abuse was alleged for 34 and physical abuse for 7, and more than half were under 4 years of age. (DB)

Deserting fathers are often the victims of a society which is frustrated, ignorant and failing in its provision of sound family policy. A study of the impact of the criminal justice system on deserting nonsupporting fathers in relation to the fulfillment of their roles as providers indicates that these individuals need assistance in coping with…

In order to decrease out-of-wedlock births, government policies should be directed toward helping young couples stay together rather than discouraging marriage and focusing almost exclusively on the young mother and her child. Also discussed are attitudes toward marriage, father's role, stability of early marriages, children, and benefits of…

Reviews the literature linking four features of family structure to depression and maladjustment in adolescents and young adults: (a) parent-child overinvolvement, (b) parent-child role reversal, (c) marital instability, and (d) parent-child coalitions. Implications for the assessment and treatment of depressed college students are discussed.…

Data analyzed from the National Longtitudinal Surveys, female responses (N=3,690), indicated that marital instability increases the need for welfare, AFDC and food stamps. In response, Stephen Bahr questions the conclusions of this study by identifying its methodological limitations. (Author/RC)

Although separation is a commonly experienced life transition, it is generally a stressful life event and is associated with negative mental health and health problems for women regardless of victimization history. The research clearly suggests that separation is a risk factor for lethal violence and injury; however, separation for women leaving…

Examines aspects of the marital relationship and its assessment relevant to scholars of child development. Reviews current knowledge regarding marital quality, behavior, emotional responding, and cognition in marriage. Makes recommendations for assessment and argues that the child's perspective of the marriage is critical for understanding…

This bulletin, the third in a series on selected issues in day care, addresses two problems involving legal issues: (1) what are the implications for the day care program when parents or other legal guardians are involved in a dispute over the custody of children? and (2) what are the rights and responsibilities of day care programs when parents…

Single parent families are misrepresented to the general public and to themselves. Issues change focus if one views single parenthood as a normal and permanent feature of our social landscape. (Author/EB)

Hypothesizes that traumatization underlies the difficulties many children experience from witnessing their parents' marital violence/spousal abuse, and argues that intervention should be designed to counteract post-traumatic disorders. A case study highlights this discussion. (BB)

The mother of a 13-year-old boy with autism discusses the symptoms of autism from birth through 18 months and 18 through 36 months and her journey out of denial. The dreaded validation of the diagnosis and the support of other parents are addressed. Her husband shares some suggestions for stepfathers. (CR)