Data on marital careers of 176 lower-class individuals from Trinidad are analyzed in terms of the frequency and sequencing of three types of marital unions--friending, living, and marriage. Sequencing of marital unions shows movement toward more stable relationships within partnerships and throughout the individual's marital career. (Author)

This study investigated a simulation game designed to improve relationship communication. Eight couples were treated for relationship difficulties by the use of the game. Results indicate that in the counseling session sample the couples' communication improved. (Author)

Examined effects of economic well-being on marital stability using longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market Experience, 1,349 married females interviewed annually over a five year period. Data indicated that income by itself had little effect on marital dissolution. (Author)

The role of social desirability on willingness to view erotic materials under conditions of implicit approval and disapproval was studied. Low need-for-approval subjects were more influenced by situational cues than high need-for-approval subjects. (NG)

Team classification seeks to bring together various levels of correctional staff and inmates to discuss and resolve issues pertaining to work and cell assignment, disciplinary action, furlough requests, and merit time considerations. Team classification, when successfully implemented, is positively associated with staff attitudes toward inmates,…

Two hypotheses related to the conceptualization of marriage as an interaction relationship and marital dysfunction as interpersonal pathology were tested empirically with first-married couples (N=30) asking specifically for marital counseling. Data analysis revealed support for the second but not the first hypothesis. (Author)

This paper reports the satisfaction between several independent variables and marital satisfaction. Adequacy of role performance of both self and spouse and spouse's conformity to expectations emerged as the strongest predictors of satisfaction derived from playing family roles. (Author)

Examines the effect on a recipient of another's effort to provide help. Two variables, locus of responsibility for initiating a help attempt and type of outcome resulting from the help attempt, were manipulated in a three x two factorial design. Results indicated that the Requested help condition yielded the strongest obligation to help others.…

This study investigated an increasing social phenomenon--newspaper advertising for dating or marital partners--in terms of the bargaining process involved. Content analysis of personal ads in a popular "respectable" singles newspaper revealed a pattern of offers and requests reminiscent of a heterosexual stock market. (Author)

An increase in the formation of growth-oriented groups has accompanied a rising interest in self-knowledge and consciousness-raising. The study described in this article suggests that the behaviors, perceptions, and emotional experiences of group members may vary with the sexual makeup of the group itself. (Author)

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the perceptual characteristics of counselors at the elementary, secondary, and community college levels. Counselors (N=45) were asked to write "human relations incidents." There were no significant differences between groups. All counselors held positive perceptual characteristics. (NG)

The effects of guilt and approachability of a female examiner upon the associative sexual responses of 48 men and 48 women were examined. It was found that low-guilt males made more sexual responses when tested by an approachable examiner than unapproachable examiner. Subjects' perceptions of the experimenters were also examined. (Author)

Fathers' reactions to their wives' pregnancies and especially to the actual deliveries are discussed and three case histories are given to illustrate the gradual build up of tension as the father anticipates delivery which often culminates in crises at the time of delivery. Implications for counselor and educators are given. (Author)

To investigate the validity of three methods of dealing with anger--calm, rational discussion, "fair fighting," and sharing of hurt and of fear of hurt--two studies were performed. Results suggest that intimacy may be found in sharing of hurt feelings. (Author)

Subjects (N=240) participated in brief encounter group experiences that varied the amount of physical contact in the structured exercises. These included no-touch, moderate-touch, and high-touch conditions. Results on the scales were consistent with behavioral data in showing the positive effects of increased physical contact. (Author)