Family-related conflict has been a central focus of theory as well as research on adolescent development, both with respect to the characteristics of nature of conflict and the influence it has on adaptational outcomes. Conflict in families of adolescents was studied by examining three characteristics of family conflict (locus, content, and…

The second of two parts of a bibliography on battered wives from the literature of the past 10 years, this bibliography lists journal articles and films. The first part appears in the preceding issue of "Catholic Library World." (CLB)

Attributional bias (unrealistic optimism and responsibility) was examined in relationship to conflict among married and divorced individuals. Individuals perceived themselves as better than average and as more responsible than their partners for marital problems. Optimism bias was lower among divorced individuals and those with a higher level of…

Determined whether spouses in nondistressed marriages show greater equity and reciprocity of exchange and a greater degree of congruence than spouses experiencing marital distress by examining interactive patterns of self-disclosing behavior using the Self-Disclosure Coding System. Within-couple reciprocity patterns revealed highly similar…

Four opinions are expressed concerning marital problems as they relate to the liberation movement. Most contend that any change in the social structure will have an effect on the marital relationship; however, these changes can strengthen the marriage. (BY)

Explores the negative effects of divorce on children and suggests that a restructuring of marriage and divorce laws (which would prohibit divorce in marriages with dependent children) might be justified in addressing this injustice against children. (DB)

Examines the clinical profile of children who have witnessed severe marital discord in comparison with normative children. Results indicate that the witnessing group of children has lower social competence, has more behavior problems, and exhibits more internalizing and externalizing behaviors than the comparative normative sample. (Contains 56…

Drawing on Durkheim's theory of social integration, an analysis of states' spending for public welfare and their divorce rates for 1960, 1970, 1980, and 1985 showed that the welfare state is not a destabilizing influence on family life as critics have charged. Past divorce rates were shown to have the most significant influence on current divorce…

This study employed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine the consequences of marital disruption for youth prospectively. Using a diverse sample of 6,416 youth, we examined pre- and postdisruption group differences among youth in subsequently disrupting and continuously intact homes. We also examined the extent…

Research on divorce has found that adolescents' feelings of being caught between parents are linked to internalizing problems and weak parent-child relationships. The present study estimates the effects of marital discord, as well as divorce, on young adult offspring's feelings of being caught in the middle (N=632). Children with parents in…

This article describes one exploratory treatment approach designed to help hostile marital partners reach a point at which each is motivated to solve problems rather than seek revenge. (Author)

The hypothetical constructs of attraction and barrier forces, as well as contrasting alternative attractions are used to organize the research literature on the determinants of marital stability and dissolution. (Author/AM)

Compared divorced men and women in regard to previous levels of marital adjustment and problems experienced in former marriages. Used personality traits assessed at the beginning of each marriage to predict problem ratings reported after divorce. Results indicated that wives reported more problems in their former marriage than husbands. (BH)