Using longitudinal data from the National Survey of Families and Households and both wife- and husband-reported data (N = 4,574 couples), this study examined how financial well-being, financial disagreements, and perceptions of financial inequity were associated with the likelihood of divorce. When financial disagreements were in the model,…

Examines the complementarity of three often-used theories in family research: social exchange theory, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. Provides a case example in which a multiple perspective is applied to a problem of marital discord. Discusses implications for the clinician. (Author/WAS)

Proposes a model for mate selection which outlines three modes of interpersonal relating--fantasy, testing, and assessment (FTA). The model is viewed as a more accurate representation of mate selection processes than suggested by earlier theories, and can be used to clarify couples' understandings of their own relationships. (JAC)

Proposes Value-Behavior Congruency Model of Family Life Satisfaction, model which assesses family from its own value base. Sees model as way to define and conceptualize family life satisfaction. Explains that model is anchored both theoretically and empirically, and discusses implications of the model for clinical assessment and intervention.…

Presents a content analysis on profiles from a singles magazine to identify categories of exchange. Findings supported the traditional social exchange notion of dating for men but not for women. Men's profiles emphasized attractiveness of potential respondents, but women emphasized their careers, intelligence, and education. (JAC)

Used Murstein's SVR (stimulus-value-role) theory to test the sequence of the value and role stages, and examined personal and couple readiness for marriage. Couples (N=88) who completed a premarital instrument were contacted by telephone one year later. Results provided little support for a sequence of value and role stages. (JAC)

Analyzes explanations for the increasingly common nature of remarriage after divorce. Describes six developmental tasks which are faced by persons approaching the status passage from divorced to remarried. Discusses emotional, psychic, community, parental, economic, and legal stations of remarriage. (Author)

Explored applications of the social exchange perspective of relationship satisfaction to educational and therapeutic interventions with those involved in close personal relationships, focusing on the role relationship expectations play in evaluations people make of their relationships. Explored educational implications of data contrasting…

Applies social exchange principles to the difficulties of setting up a stepfamily. Discusses obstacles to role adjustment and maintenance of equity among members. Concludes that if the reconstituting family can establish a basis of trust, the stepfamily can merge as a developmental unit toward expansion and commitment. (Author)