Compared records of 32 couples who achieved pregnancy during the adoption process with records of couples who did not. Findings suggested that medical diagnosis, age, and emotional components of the adoption study process were intertwined determining factors in couples' achieving pregnancy. (NRB)

Investigates a largely uncharted dynamic in the literature--the incidence of wife abuse among incestuous families--and suggests that professional caregivers reevaluate conventional treatment modalities that are based on certain assumptions regarding the mother's role in incest. (Author)

Reviews a 1983-84 study of the marital and parental behavior of lesbian wives and mothers and gay husbands and fathers. Discovered differences between the men and women in: overall demographics, marital history, marital problems and their impact, parenting issues, and dealing with homosexuality. (Author/ABB)

Surveyed groups of service providers from organizations (N=24) likely to provide services to victims of domestic violence to determine their beliefs and recommendations in dealing with this problem. Results indicated disagreement both in and out of professional groups as to the specific actions those involved should take. (LLL)

Evaluated couples (N=27) randomly assigned to conjoint or concurrent therapy to compare treatment effectiveness with regard to intrapersonal and interpersonal problems. Results showed no differences between the two treatments on any of the outcome measures. (LLL)

Discusses factors involved in parental bereavement, including the unnaturalness of the child predeceasing the parents, social reactions to the death of a child, the loss of the spouse as a primary support during the grieving process, and grief-related problems with surviving children. Treatment recommendations are presented. (NRB)

Presents suggestions for assembling a musical tape made up of 20 popular songs that reflect the characteristics of five potential stages in a marital relationship. Illustrates how therapists use the tape in marital therapy and discusses how educators can instruct students to use the tape in their practice. (LLL)

Examined effects of incarceration on family life among 63 inmates and 38 inmate wives. Contrasted those who participated in Family Reunion (conjugal visits) Program with nonparticipants. Found that coping was in normal range for both groups of inmates and wives and, except for measures of wives' passive appraisal, did not differ according to…

Proposes an approach that incorporates the traditional provision of concrete services and addresses the powerful emotional ties that keep many women from effecting a lasting separation from their abusive partners. Focuses on helping battered women identify and mourn the losses accompanying separation. (Author/ABB)

Studied married couples' allocation of tasks within the household and found that role specialization existed in accordance with traditional sex role norms. Found that wives' self-esteem was not significant, but that the number of hours they were employed, their sex role orientation, and the attitudes of their significant others were significantly…

Tests Frank's model of oppressive situations and asymmetric role-taking in a survey of 66 battered women and 80 nonbattered women. Battered women's social situations were characterized by powerlessness, social isolation, and economic dependency. Develops the value of this theoretical approach with its emphasis on enhancing women's power base and…

Presents results of empirical studies that contradict the popular conception of domestic violence as essentially a masculine form of assaultive behavior. Suggests that the popular view has contributed to men's increasing legal and social defenselessness. Discusses the appropriateness of psychotherapeutic approaches to the problem. (Author/KS)

Examines the impact of sexual satisfaction and the congruence of mates' perceptions on overall marital satisfaction in 290 people who had been married 18 to 32 years. Results showed respondents were, overall, satisfied with their marriages. The relationsihps were enhanced by empathy and congruence of perceptions. (Author/JAC)

Examines the delayed reactions to the stress of war (posttraumatic stress disorders) of many Vietnam veterans and the problems their families face as a consequence. Presents a number of considerations for social work intervention. (JAC)

Results of a statistical analysis of a study of battered wives in shelters indicated that the wives' economic dependence on their husbands almost always ensured that they would return to their husbands and that respondents who considered the shelters useful had a higher probability of returning to their husbands. (Author)