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 purpose of the paper is to: identify the major types of cohabiting relationships; specify the personal characteristics and relationship characteristics of each cohabiting relationship type; and outline potential benefits and costs to the individual in each type of cohabiting relationship. Guidelines for counseling potentially cohabiting…

A pre-marital assessment method is described which utilizes interviews with the young couple, with both sets of parents and group interviewing with all six key persons involved in the plans for marriage. The use of selected tests and particular methods of examining the couple's relationship are discussed. (Author)

Marital therapy couples (N=47) completed inventories measuring unrealistic beliefs about self and unrealistic beliefs about marital relationships. Results indicated unrealistic beliefs were negatively associated with: estimated chance for improvement in therapy, desire to improve the relationship, preference for marital versus individually…

With the increasing divorce rate, new, alternative therapeutic approaches to marital therapy are necessary. Instead of looking at the marital relationship as a closed system, it should be treated from an intergenerational point of view. This involves working on the interlocking between horizontal and linear relationships in the nuclear family.…

This article describes the use of a pre-marriage contract in working with teenage couples and their parents. The contract is an aid in focusing on the practical aspects of marriage preparation, allowing a more direct subsequent focus on the feelings of family members. (Author)

Considers the problems arising from cultural and religious differences in Jewish-non-Jewish marriage. Treatment requires dealing with family systems dynamics while educating the couple about the role of cultural difference in their relationship. Treatment should help couple view their differences flexibly as they blend their cultures. (RJM)

Despite recent changes in role options available to many women, a strong link continues to be reinforced among the issues of sexuality, maternity, and womanhood. Paper explores the implications of this maternal imperative for sexual self-esteem of heterosexual women without children. Four recommendations are made for working with women who, for…

The National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) funded by the National Center for Special Education Research at the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, provides a unique source of information to help in developing an understanding of the experiences of secondary school students with disabilities nationally as they…

Can economic ties positively influence social relations and actions? If so, how does this influence operate? Microfinance programs, which provide credit through a group-based lending strategy, provide the ideal setting for exploring these questions. This article examines whether structuring socially isolated women into peer-groups for an…

This study examined the willingness of persons without disabilities (PWODs) to engage in personal relationships with persons with disabilities (PWDs). Participants (N = 305) were primarily female Hispanic students (91%) preparing for careers in the helping professions. The "Relationships and Disability Survey" assessed the effect of the category…

This study examined factors influencing employment outcomes of people with substance-related disorders (SRDs) in state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies. The sample included 34,774 VR clients with SRDs from fiscal year 2001. Mean age of participants was 38.35 years. Predictor variables included personal and service variables and the…

This paper uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,098) to examine differences in the parenting practices of four types of resident fathers, defined by their biological relationship to a focal child and their marital status with regard to the focal child's mother. Regression results suggest that biological fathers and…

Family rituals provide a rich context in which to study the relation between ideology and action. Guided by the gender perspective, this article analyzes the experiences of 21 newly married heterosexual couples who described how they planned their weddings. The interplay among gender ideology, gender display, and gender assessment differed across…

The purpose of the current study was to gather data on the attitudes and smoking habits of university students. Data were collected from 250 undergraduates dealing with various aspects of smoking behavior. There were 80 smokers and 170 nonsmokers, including 21 former smokers. In addition to demographic information, participants were assessed with…