Couple cooperation is hypothesized to be essential in the resolution of interpersonal marital problems. Data from a sample of newlywed couples support this hypothesis as well as the validity of our measure of cooperation. We then test a model stipulating marital satisfaction and trust as antecedent conditions leading to cooperative problem solving…

Widely varying reports on the effects of divorce on children have created considerable confusion among therapists. Most traditionally trained secular marriage therapists view their position as that of an impartial mediator with emphasis on the well being of the individual. It has been generally accepted that the religious marital therapists are…

The conflict in research that exists between the relationship of marital adjustment and sibling constellation is examined here. The belief that the combination of birth order and gender (sibling constellation) is important, is not only a part of folk wisdom but it is a continuing point of view in the literature of marital and family therapy. Data…

The belief that the birth of a first child has an effect on the parents' relationship is accepted in the literature, as well as in society at large. This study reviewed the research that explores the relationship between the transition to parenthood and marital adjustment during the transition. Most of the studies reviewed suffer to some degree…

A survey was conducted in Massachusetts to determine the effect of some welfare policy changes among families who receive public assistance and have experienced domestic violence. Interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 734 Massachusetts women who received welfare between January and June 1996. The survey found that one-fifth of…

Forty undergraduate judges watched videotaped interactions of couples and rated their marital satisfaction based on certain behavioral cues. Results indicate: untrained judges were able to discriminate marital satisfaction/distress with significant validity; judges' ratings were correlated with couples' aversive behavior; and the actuarial…

Methods currently used to investigate interaction during marital conflict limit the validity and generalizability of findings concerning the determinants and consequences of couples' interaction styles. The respective advantages and limitations of two research strategies--questionnaires and simulation strategies--are critically evaluated. Several…

The study interviewed 41 middle school children (25 gifted and the remainder of average ability) from intact and not intact homes to gather their perceptions of divorce's effects on school now and in the future. Results included the following statements. Differences in responses centered around the subject's cognitive abilities, more than on…

According to social-psychological theory, violent acts in a marital relationship can be understood by examining environmental stressors and violent acts spouses experienced as children. Because there is a great variety in the type and frequency of abuse suffered by battered women, it is important to examine abuse type and abuse frequency…

This paper examines the impact of individual and family life transitions on marital relationships from a social exchange perspective. The first section of the paper reviews and integrates several social exchange perspectives, derived from both sociological and social psychological traditions, in particular the works of Thibaut and Kelly (1959),…

Recently, research has been conducted using an interactional understanding of depression, which views depression as a disorder exacerbated by a pathogenic social system. The interaction between intimate social partners seems especially relevant. Couples (N=26) participated in a study of depressed out-patients and their spouses and a matched…

Uses a case study to explore the role of counselor and clients and the interactive process that should begin to occur in a second interview during marriage counseling. Concludes with comments and critique of the articles. (EJT)

Presents a counseling session with a couple who are considering divorce. Then, using critique and commentary at the end of the case study, attempts to get at some of the issues, theories and techniques of marriage counseling. (EJT)

Although some people fantasize about their spouse's possible death, the literature contains no reports of research on widowhood fantasies. The incidence, characteristics, and possible function of these fantasies were examined in individual interviews with 28 divorced and married men and women. Interview data were analyzed by calculating chi-square…

In Nigeria, various forms of polygamy and monogamy are practiced; however, monogamy is more or less practiced by many Christians and a greater percentage of younger men. A survey of marital success and failure was conducted with samples of Nigerian Diploma students and selected educated community members. Subjects completed two instruments, the…