In this study husbands were perceived as more psychologically healthy when they had children than when they had no children. Wives were liked less and viewed more negatively on general personality descriptors when they were described as voluntarily childless than when they were involuntarily childless. (Author)

In this study, the model of two independent dimensions of family connectedness, closeness-caregiving, and intrusiveness, was tested by assessing spouses from 264 couples, using the California Inventory for Family Assessment (CIFA). As predicted, factor analyses distinguished dimensions of intrusiveness (blurring of boundaries) from…

Using "talk time" measures of spouse/stranger interaction styles, tested models of communication. Concluded that (1) a spillover interactionist model best represented the talk time data; (2) sex had no apparent effect on speaking with either a spouse or a stranger; and (3) few personality variables predicted talk time, though relationship…

Explores the relationship between wife's employment, sex-role traditionalism, and reported division of household tasks and decisions. Findings suggest that despite differences among women in sex-role traditionalism and employment status, most women say that they and their spouses divide tasks in a traditional sex-role fashion. (Author)

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…

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…

Examined whether spouses' attributions for partner behavior are related to their behavior by assessing their attributions and observing the problem-solving discussions of cohabitating couples (n=52) in which neither spouse was depressed or distressed, the wife was depressed and both spouses were distressed, and the wife was not depressed and both…