Couples (N=26) completed a daily event and mood checklist about husbands for 14 consecutive days. The group-averaging strategy generally used to describe event-mood correlations was compared to a tabulation of significant individual correlations. Observed correlations were consistent with previous studies. (Author/RC)

Examined the relationship between adjustment and conventionalization both in terms of idealization of the spouse and in terms of the response format employed in measures of conventionalization. Results, based upon questionnaire responses from 365 married individuals, found these explanations to be inadequate. Suggests conventionalization and…

A popular abbreviated version of the Marital Conceptualization Scale (MCS) was administered along with other measures of conventionality to 181 married couples. Correlational analysis failed to confirm the construct validity of the MCS as defined by the instrument's author. The investigators proposed renaming the response set "marital social…

Demonstrated the effect of a contingency contracting treatment package for treating a distressed couple. A multi-method assessment package was used. The treatment package was responsible for producing behavior change and changes in levels of satisfaction. Multi-assessments provided the therapist with concrete data on a couple's progress in…

Minimal differences were found in the amount, and direction, of changes. Differences in dissolution rates were found, as expected, but court-ordered counseling did appear to have a positive effect with some couples. (Author)

Dyadic trust proved to be associated with love and with intimacy of self-disclosure, especially for longer married partners. It varied by level of commitment. Partners reciprocated trust more than either love or depth of self-disclosure. (Author)

The no-fault provisions of the California Family Law Act of 1969 recognized the reality of marital breakdown by removing from the substance and language of the law its strong overtones of moral condemnation. The divorce rate itself remained unaffected. The frequency of spousal support awards declined significantly. (Author/JAC)

Refines the concept of attachment by distinguishing it from generalized distressed responses to divorce. Among separated adults, characteristics of the marital situation account for feelings of loss of attachment but do not contribute to the explanation of generalized distress. (Author)

Role strain, feelings of deprivation at home, comparative deprivation in work, and involvement in feminine household tasks were linked to male depression. Women were depressed if they evaluated their financial situation negatively and perceived their husband as an inadequate provider. (Author)

The reinforcers that are most potent in affecting the day-to-day satisfaction levels of married couples differ according to the level of distress. Marital distress is characterized by a tendency to react strongly to the delivery of punishers and to respond in kind. (Author)

Considers variations in use of social supports among persons in the process of divorcing. Most frequently turned to for help were friends, spouse, and counselors. Perceptions of the degree of stress evoked by the divorce appeared to be a major force behind use of social supports. (Author)

Examines the consequences of inconsistency between individual's statuses and between his or her spouse's statuses, as well as incompatibilities between husbands' and wives' educational and occupational status. Results show status inconsistency and incompatibility to be important variables for explaining life and marital dissatisfaction. (Author)

A review of recent research studies suggests that the dominant pattern of decision making and action taking in the Chicano family is not male-dominated and authoritarian but egalitarian. Husband and wife share in decision making and in the performance of household tasks and child care. Sex role segregation is rare. (Author/BEF)

Presents a form of insight therapy based upon systems theory and suggests that this has much to offer in marital therapy. Categories of relationship problems with which a couples therapist must deal are described. (Author)

Nonpatient couples, couples seeking sex therapy, and couples seeking marital therapy, were asked to report on who they felt should and who actually does assume responsibility in marital role areas. Discrepancy between role ideals and behavior was examined. Marital therapy patients were found to experience the most role strain. (Author)