Psychometric properties of the Marital Coping Inventory (MCI) were evaluated by administering it and other measures to 120 newlywed couples, by observing spouses discussing marital problems, and by readministering the inventory to 104 spouses after 6 months. Results clarify coping in marriage. Implications for use of the instrument are discussed.…

Comparison of 69 neglectful mothers with a demographically comparable sample of 138 non-neglectful mothers found that neglectful mothers exchanged fewer resources with both their partners and mothers, were more likely to state that their mothers had few positive characteristics, had known their partners for less time, and were less likely to be…

Examined cognitive and emotional reactions to family discussions as experienced by 8- to 11-year-old sons (n=35) and their mothers from homes with physically aggressive (PA), verbally aggressive (VA), and low-conflict (LC) marital relationships. Sons of PA couples demonstrated more self-interference, self-distraction, and arousal and less…

Examines the life-course sequencing hypothesis that marriage before military service has a greater disruptive effect on marital stability than marriage during or after military service. Used event-history data from a 13-year panel study of 2,857 white males from Washington State high schools in 1966. Compares Vietnam combat veterans (n=610),…

Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to investigate the effects of parental separation on adolescent delinquency and depression. Parent-adolescent relationship prior to marital dissolution moderated the effects of parental separation on adolescent delinquency. Opposite-sex parents had a significant influence on…

Despite the increasing incidence of infidelity, little empirical evidence is available to guide the efforts of marriage and family therapists in this area. This study examines how gender, participant training, and follow-up mitigating information relate to perceptions of individuals in couple relationships presenting for therapy with a history of…

Although few people bring their psychological problems to mental health professionals, research in the area of 'natural' help is rudimentary. To investigate the process and effectiveness of natural professional groups in helping individuals experiencing marital disruption, 42 helpers (14 mental health professionals, 14 divorce lawyers, and 14…

Recent research investigating the consequences of match-mismatch in cognitive style status for interpersonal attraction in teacher-student, patient-therapist, and other dyads suggests that matched persons are more likely to develop positive feelings toward each other. To assess the impact of cognitive style on the outcomes experienced by married…

Little evidence exists about either the short or long-term effects of coping strategies on the reduction of emotional distress or the lessening of problems. To examine the predictors and effectiveness of four marital coping efforts (negotiation, optimistic comparison, selective ignoring, and resignation), data derived from a panel study of 758…

Questionnaires were completed by 131 married couples to determine the role of dispositional jealousy on marital success. The total jealousy in the marriage was found to be negatively related to several indices of marital success. Further analyses indicated that marital outcomes were negatively associated with the husband's perception of the wife's…

Although research suggests that marital communication is causally related to marital satisfaction, the processes by which marital communication style affects marital relationships have not been identified. These communication styles (conventional, speculative, controlling, contactful) are based on the degrees of self-disclosure and openness to the…

The Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI) is a potential instrument for differentiating couples with specific sexual distress from those with more general marital complaints. Couples (N=45) expressing primary complaints of dissatisfaction with their sexual relationship and couples (N=45) expressing primary complaints of generalized marital distress…

This study found that, prior to beginning school, the typical adult female student at Montclair State College reports moderately positive support from her spouse. However, during the first semester, she encounters mild role conflict and lack of self-confidence in her ability to meet family and academic responsibilities. During her second and third…

Examined impact, on couples planning marriage, of a cognitive-behavioral marital distress prevention program emphasizing communication and problem-solving skills, clarifying and sharing expectations, and sensual/sexual enhancement. Compared to controls, participants showed higher levels of relationship quality at the 18-month and three-year…

Found a strong correlation between residential mobility rate and a measure of marital dissolution. Concluded that community size and marital dissolution correlated positively because of higher levels of residential mobility in large cities and urban areas than in small cities and rural areas. Found high residential mobility both an indicator and a…