Globalization has increased the occurrence of "international marriages" due to expanded marriage markets resulting from increased travel and communication avenues. Although Eastern Europe is one of the top three regions of origin for marriage migrants, little is known about who chooses this type of marriage arrangement. This study…

Identified and described the nature of those personality characteristics that enable couples to develop and sustain a vital relationship. Findings indicate that vital marital partners possess personality needs that promote: (1) sexual expressiveness; (2) "otherness" rather than selfness; (3) determination; and (4) high ego strength. (Author)

Data from a national sample found that cohabitors are more violent than marrieds. However, cohabitors over 30, divorced women, those with high incomes, and those who were together for over ten years, had very low rates of violence. Suggests cohabitation should not be seen as a unitary phenomenon. (Author)