Examined effects of sexual attitudes, lifetime sexual behavior, number of coital partners and social context of behavior on dating and marriage desirability. No evidence of the traditional double standard was found among these university students; men and women, equally, held a standard that allowed maximization of personal sexual gratification…

Studied unmarried cohabiting couples in Gavle, Sweden to test the hypothesis that unmarried cohabitation in Sweden is a variety of marriage rather than an alternative to it. Data indicated the same norms apply to both forms of cohabitation; also, the majority of unmarried couples intend to wed eventually. (Author)

Tested social psychological model of fertility-related intentions in 708 Mexican-American women. Results indicated that attitudes and normative beliefs of significant others, weighted by motivation to comply with those reference groups, combined to explain significant proportion of variance in fertility-related intentions of Mexican-American…

Analyzed rules for public and private marital conflicts determined by married couples (N=32) after viewing their videotaped, simulated public and private conflicts. Analyzed rating of rules (how often followed, importance, applicability to different relationships/situations) by married people (N=194). Found five factors influencing rule selection:…

Data gathered by means of questionnaires for 1965, 1970, and 1975 from students are used to ascertain the extent to which sexual behavior and attitudes have changed. Evidence suggests the premarital sexual revolution which was reported to have begun during the late 1960's has actually accelerated during the 1970's. (Author)

Examined United States survey data from the 1950s through the 1980s for changes in family life norms and values. Found in 1960s and 1970s data a weakening of imperative to marry and remain married, stay monogamous, have children, and maintain gender role separation. Observed flattening of trends during early 1980s. Links family life trends to…

This study determined regional differences in the prevalence of cohabitation, the reported willingness to cohabit, and the extent of probable parental awareness. The study also compares cohabitants and noncohabitants with regard to their desire to marry and have children, and their willingness to engage in a number of nontraditional life styles.…

Using the 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Households, this research examines normative beliefs about marriage and cohabitation among non-Latino whites, Mexican Americans, and mainland Puerto Ricans. Results indicate Mexican Americans tend to be more pronuptial than non-Latino whites. They evaluate marriage more positively relative to…

Explores a structural exchange theory of marital interaction. Discusses importance of considering structural and temporal dimensions involved in marital exchange. Suggests examining the influence of the social structure on the cognitive orientations of marital partners and the subsequent exchange relationship. Examines how trust and commitment…