Attributional bias (unrealistic optimism and responsibility) was examined in relationship to conflict among married and divorced individuals. Individuals perceived themselves as better than average and as more responsible than their partners for marital problems. Optimism bias was lower among divorced individuals and those with a higher level of…

Determined whether spouses in nondistressed marriages show greater equity and reciprocity of exchange and a greater degree of congruence than spouses experiencing marital distress by examining interactive patterns of self-disclosing behavior using the Self-Disclosure Coding System. Within-couple reciprocity patterns revealed highly similar…

Study of former and current members of controversial religious cults revealed a strong correlation between measures of family affinity and choices by cult devotees to leave or stay. Differences between leavers and stayers are shown in perceived parental attitudes toward involvement, prior familial closeness, and adolescent experiences with…

Examines developmental trends in children's reactions to anger and affection occurring among others in the home. Children were studied for nine months when toddlers and for three months when between six and seven years of age. Data were provided by mothers trained in detailed reporting of discrete sequences of behavior. (RH)

Addressed the effect of continued familial conflict on adolescents' (N=217) adjustment and self-concept. Results indicated that high conflict produces lower self-esteem, greater anxiety, and less feeling of control regardless of whether or not family dissolution occurred. (LLL)

The parents of 90 children (30 each of learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, and normal children five-14 years old) completed The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales. Results provided partial support for the hypotheses on family interaction with implications for assessing and intervening in problems identified as learning…

Examined mother-child dyads (N=52) in a training program to modify aggressive child behavior. Obtained several measures of mother-child interaction and compared them between dyads that succeeded and dyads that did not. Results indicated unsuccessful mothers were more aversive and indiscriminate in their use of aversive behavior toward their…

Makes a theoretical comparison between Adlerian and analytic formulations of family assessment in a case study involving a recently divorced couple and a child with encopresis. Discussed the family relationship in terms of object relations theory emphasizing intrapsychic experience, and Adlerian theory emphasizing the purposes of behavior. (JAC)

Methods used by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service to meet the educational needs of two-earner families span a wide variety of topics and include flexible media and program strategies. (SK)

Preliminary findings are presented bearing on several hypotheses derived from exchange theory. Postulating a relationship between the breakdown of intrafamilial exchange and parent-youth conflict, support for the general hypothesis is found. No significant relationships are found, however, between key structural variables and conflict. (Author)

Four opinions are expressed concerning marital problems as they relate to the liberation movement. Most contend that any change in the social structure will have an effect on the marital relationship; however, these changes can strengthen the marriage. (BY)

Summarizes teenagers' responses to a questionnaire on the generation gap. Teens discuss value conflicts, problems of society, parents' and teenagers' faults and virtues, and their own hopes for the future. (NH)