Describes common characteristics of 13 cases in which one marital partner initiated therapy because the other partner was undecided about continuing their marriage. Initiating clients wanted their marriages to continue even if they were unrewarding and saw themselves as helpless victims. Clients who could turn their attention from the ambivalent…

The Recovery of Hope divorce prevention program addresses the problem of couples entering marriage enrichment events whose distress levels indicated a need for therapy rather than enrichment. An ex post facto evaluation of 34 wives and 27 husbands indicated program completion appeared to assist couples in either improving their relationship or in…

Tested Lewis and Spanier's theory of marital quality and marital stability using a sample of 131 married and 166 divorced social survey respondents. Examined the relationship between the quality and stability of their marriages and assessed the influence of alternative attractions and external pressures to remain married. (JAC)

Traces history of construct known as "permanent availability,""universal availability," and "permanence/pragmatism." Connects latter with emerging research tradition labeled "causes and consequences of divorce." Based on data collected from college students, constructed an index of permanence/pragmatism in close relationship. (Author)

Focuses on remarried families' (N=80) perceptions of family strengths, marital satisfaction, and adjustment to the remarried situation. Results indicated that although most would like to make some changes, scores on the measurements used were high. A supportive environment was the most important predictor of family strength and success. (JAC)

Examined cognitive personality and sociodemographic factors associated with thoughts of separation. When spouses' marital satisfaction was controlled, four groups were identified as "unhappy stable,""unhappy unstable,""happy stable," and "happy unstable." The first three groups were examined further, and the…

Tested the usefulness of Lewis's and Spanier's theory of marital quality and marital stability for the prediction of divorce adjustment, in a study of 216 recently divorced persons. The quality of the marriage, external pressure to remain married, and level of alternative attractions were all useful predictors. (JAC)

Compares two divorce prone men with two marriage phobic men. Marriage phobic men were fearful of getting married and used avoidance as a means of coping. Divorce prone were self-centered, hard driving, and reckless using acting out to manage conflict. Both groups were wary of the opposite sex and needed to be in control of relationships.…