A simple test is described that has proven highly effective when used by married couples. It can be self-administered. Couples who use it can learn a great deal about their relationship and do so in terms of positive insights which they can then use to promote mutual growth. (Author)

Statements representing specific communication skills were derived from a review of the literature. Instruments were completed by 111 married couples. Scores on the Marital Adjustment Test were used to identify criterion groups as most satisfied and least satisfied. Findings suggest skills identified may be effective for marriage counselors.…

Two hypotheses related to the conceptualization of marriage as an interaction relationship and marital dysfunction as interpersonal pathology were tested empirically with first-married couples (N=30) asking specifically for marital counseling. Data analysis revealed support for the second but not the first hypothesis. (Author)

This study examined hypotheses about the determinants of global ratings of marital satisfaction, the role of reciprocity in marital interaction, and the influence of external experiences on the marital relationship. The results are discussed with reference to previous marital research and with regard to their implications for martial therapy.…

As part of a continuing study of the differences between couples seeking marital therapy and those seeking sexual dysfunction therapy, this report examines these two clinical populations on the dimension of discrepant views of the marriage. Results suggest overall discrepancy scores may be an important indicator of stress between partners. (Author)

The results of this research indicate that persons with a history of premarital cohabitation do not describe their marriages differently from persons without a history of cohabitation. The authors conclude that premarital cohabitation may not provide types of learning experiences that significantly alter an individual's success in marriage.…

For a study of marital togetherness and apartness, the partners in 136 couples completed questionnaires. The role of disrespect, a factor serving as an abrasive in marriage, was investigated. Findings suggest that therapy for couples with a presenting problem of insufficient contact may first have to deal with abrasive factors. (Author)

Spousal consensus on 12 different topics is examined. Amount and direction of the influence of these factors (structure, cohesion and stress) thought to account for consensus are evaluated. Interviews with 321 urban couples provided the data for analysis. (Author)

An instrument labeled the Personal Report of Spouse Communication Apprehension was developed and found to have adequate internal consistency, face validity, and predictive validity. Results of its use indicate that spouse communication apprehension is conceptually and factorially distinct from general communication apprehension. (Author)

Offers a typology for viewing love as the development of interpersonal relationships in five stages. As a typology, the author believes it has implications for both counseling and teaching purposes. In teaching, both clarity and precision can be gained, whereas in counseling, greater understanding and awareness may be generated. (Author)

This article describes an instrument which measures what characteristics students consider important in selecting a mate. The author examines differences in responses to the instrument by a sample of Minnesota high school and college students. Implications of these findings are discussed for high school and college counselors. (Author/JEL)

The opinion among Swedes is that there is a higher commitment and a higher responsibility among those having been married for a long time than among those having been married for a short time. These data point toward existence of a renewed or perhaps a new courtship and marriage pattern. (Author)

This study offers a rank order of successful marriages, according to birth order in Israel. The results of two studies show that marriage consisting of a first born and a later born are more successful than marriages composed of two first borns or two later borns. (Author/PC)

Issues related to individual and family life are studied as they vary across stages of the family life cycle. Strong relationships are found between stages in family life cycle and a number of such issues. Further analysis indicates that the major dimensions of the cycle are children and length of marriage. (Author)

The Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale (LWMAS) and several measures of religious beliefs and commitment were administered to 66 married couples. The two types of LWMAS scoring weights produce the same relationships. Marital adjustment scales are paper/pencil projective measures that tap spouses' intended and actual values, goals, and…