In this article, the author presents a theoretical scheme focusing on the relation between closeness and distance in intimate relationships. This challenges a commonly held notion, which maintains that the two constructs are opposite poles on a single continuum. The authors present an alternative conceptualization employing dialectical and…

In this article, educational homogamy among married and cohabiting couples in selected European countries is examined. Using data from two waves (2002 and 2004) of the European Social Survey, this article compares three cultural and institutional contexts that differ in terms of institutionalization of cohabitation. Evidence from log-linear models…

This study tested hypotheses based on the theoretical idea that threats to parental availability would have a direct effect on later adult attachment insecurity and that this relationship would be partially, but not fully, mediated by threats to the availability of a romantic partner. Participants were 1,063 individuals in a married or unmarried…

Used interview data from national sample of married persons to examine extent to which people in remarriages have attributes that adversely influence marital quality/stability. Found that persons in remarriages were more likely to be poorly integrated with parents and in-laws, willing to leave marriage, be poor marriage material, and to have lower…

Suggests a new perspective to more validly describe currently emerging family-type empirical realities, drawing on cross-disciplinary focus on close or primary relationships. Considers issues such as rights, duties, obligations, freedom, and expectations in marriage and the family versus intimacy, companionship, sharing, communication, and…

This study uses data (N = 3,088) from the first two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households to explore the effects of the transition to fatherhood and the addition of subsequent children on men's psychological and physical health, contacts with extended family, social interactions, and work behaviors. The results suggest that new…