Analyzed relational control behaviors and interaction patterns of 51 couples representing marital life span. Identified three distinct phases of development: short-term couples relied heavily on "equivalence" acts; intermediate couples were more likely to "structure the conversation" but avoided competing for control; and long-term couples relied…

Explores the relationship between divorce and suicide through a multiple regression analysis. Results indicate that the incidence of divorce is closely associated with the rate of suicide even after controls for the influence of the effects of age composition, race, the rate of interstate migration, and income. (Author/BEF)

Analyzed data of marriages in England and Wales in 1976 to determine patterns of variation with age of age differences for males and females in marriage. Data indicated both sexes are more likely to marry an older person at the age of 50 than at the age of 30. (Author/RC)

Examined the negative impact of economic hardship on a spouse's marital instability in White, middle-class couples (N=76). The results indicated economic pressures had an indirect association with married couples' evaluation of the marriage by promoting hostility in marital interactions and curtailing the warm and supportive behaviors spouses…

Examined the relationship of gender-role orientation and specific behavioral coping responses of wives (N=82) experiencing a long-term separation from their military spouses. Results showed that an androgynous gender-role orientation was significantly associated with four of the five coping patterns identified as helpful to wives managing a…

Compared interactions of 11 dissatisfied and 11 satisfied couples on basis of trained observers' ratings of spouses' behavior through time on 3 scales: withdrawn/involved, hostile/friendly, and displeasure/pleasure. Dissatisfied coupled evidenced significantly lower mean ratings of hostility and displeasure, but no differences in withdrawal.…

Observed 42 couples during emotional interactions: each spouse discussed an upsetting incident unrelated to the marriage. Results showed the proportion of approval or caring behavior expressed was directly related to marital adjustment. Overall, negative behavior appeared to inhibit the probability of subsequent expressions of complaints by…

Focuses on the early years of marriage, including the sexual relationship. Interviews, with 80 persons married five years or less, showed considerable variation in first-year frequencies with few normative guidelines. Despite the relatively low frequencies reported, respondents consider sex important or very important in marriage. (Author/JAC)

Data on couples show that rates of domestic violence are related to attitudes about violence and to social structural variables. With respect to physical punishment of one's children and to spousal violence, findings show a spouse's violence has greater impact on the respondent's violence than the respondent's own attitudes about violence.…

Studies family interaction and explores the interface of husband-wife and parent-infant interactions. Results suggest that wives have a greater influence on fathering than do husbands on mothering. In some families spousal interaction precludes active involvement in parenting. In others active parental involvement provides for pleasurable spousal…

Examined two explanations for the strong relationships between indices of social class and characteristics of marital attitudes and behavior. Results indicated that, education aside, neither female nor male occupational groups differed with respect to 14 indices of marital attitudes and behavior. Education emerged as a major predictor. (Author/RC)

Investigated the extent to which Swedish couples (N=128) share domestic tasks using a mail survey. Suggests Swedish couples shared household chores more evenly than American couples. Results indicated variables measuring social exchange theory, family life-cycle stage, and socialization had the greatest influence on role sharing behavior.…