This study used the 1979 cohort of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 3,481) to test whether the association between marital quality and divorce is moderated by premarital cohabitation or nonmarital childbearing status. Prior research identified lower marital quality as a key explanation for why couples who cohabit or have children…

This study examines workplace culture and fertility plans and transitions in Sweden. This study goes beyond previous research in examining the effect of particular job characteristics as well as the influence of a partner's job characteristics on women's and men's birth plans and transitions. We use data from the 1999 and 2003 Swedish Young Adult…

The process that lesbian couples experienced in using donor insemination (DI) to become parents was examined in this study through interviews of 10 lesbians. Using a decision-making framework embedded in feminist theory, results identified the major decisions involved that conceptualized the transition to parenthood and describe how these…

Administered Sexual Meaning Survey to 526 couples. Findings supported hypothesis that engaged couples would be less discrepant in sexual meanings than randomly paired men and women. Regression analyses provided evidence that level of education, church attendance, discrepancy in religious affiliation, cohabitation status, and agreement on family…

Investigated the relationship of information search in the childbearing decision to life satisfaction in 62 mothers and 23 voluntarily childless women who responded to a questionnaire. Results indicated that information search was related to positive outcomes for mothers. For childless women, information search was negatively related to life…

Evaluated an abstinence-only sexual activity prevention program, Stay SMART, which also aims to prevent drug use among Boys and Girls Club youths. No effects were observed for virgins. Desired effects for sexual behavior and attitudes toward sexual activity were found for nonvirgins who participated in only Stay SMART. (Author/RJM)

Examined the influence of sex, age, religion, and occupation on attitudes of 335 adults concerning family planning education. Results of a questionnaire indicated general support. The higher the respondent's occupational status, the more favorable the attitude. Respondents also indicated religion should form the base for family planning education.…

Increases in abortions can be traced to changing public opinion, women entering the labor force, and higher levels of premarital sexual activity. Abortion tends to be more common among younger women and those in lower income and education categories. More aggressive family planning programs are needed. (JAC)

Examined myths and stereotypes associated with the sexual and reproductive behavior of the urban poor, particularly poor White, Black, and Mexican-American women. Through extensive analysis of differences in family planning and fertility patterns, conclusions were reached about the relationship between sexual stereotypes, family social services,…

Examined the relationship between contracepting problems, unplanned fertility, and both child abuse and neglect in 518 urban, single parent, public assistance mothers. Findings revealed that increasing numbers of unplanned conceptions increased the probability of both abuse and neglect and that the unplanned conceptions were due to both failure to…

Outlines some of the population-related factors and effects upon the family and child. Because of their vested interests and wealth of experience in family life, home economists are challenged to take the lead in planning and providing curriculum materials, and to promote population education in the schools. (Author)

A five-stage model for prevention program development and research among low income, ethnically diverse families is presented and illustrated. The intervention, called the Raising Successful Children Program, was aimed at reducing child mental health problems. Reports identification of mediator variables, pilot tests results, and other findings.…