Presents a conceptual framework of potentially broad applicability in the study of spouses of persons suffering from impairments. The model integrates previous research in the alcoholism field and provides a more comprehensive account of spouse functioning than is afforded by focusing only on partner drinking behavior. (Author/RC)

Developed eight independent content scales to assess components of marital intimacy (Conflict Resolution, Affection, Cohesion, Sexuality, Identity, Compatibility, Autonomy, and Expressiveness). Measures were designed to be relatively free from social desirability and acquiescent responding. Test retest and internal consistency reliabilities were…

Data from a sample of 2,143 adult men and women were used to explore the relationship between wives' dependency on marriage, and wife abuse. Results indicated that it is economic and not psychological dependency which keeps women in severely abusive marriages. (Author)

Found a significant positive correlation between wives' (but not husbands') neuroticism scores and the degree to which the couple is apart on Lanyon's extraversion-introversion scale. Further correlations suggest fewer intimate communications and agreements between highly diverging couples. Theorized that this constellation of factors leads to…

Reviews the impact that "talk about a past partner" (Tapp) has on one's current intimate, dyadic relationship. Four metacommunicative functions of Tapp are suggested: disclosing past relationship history, conveying relationship rules or expectations, creating closeness or distance, and confirming self-perceptions. (Author)

Presents unilateral family therapy in which intervention is directed toward changing the behavior of an uncooperative family member through working with a cooperative member as mediator. Applies the approach to the problem of endeavoring to reach and change an uncooperative alcohol abuser. (Author)

Used data from 378 married couples to test applicability of resource theory and social exchange theory in explaining determinants of influence within a specific decision-making area (wives' employment). Results indicated increments in wives' resources correlate positively with wives' influence, while increments in husbands' resources correlate…

Examined Rodman's theory of resources in cultural context to understand decision-making patterns among spouses in intergenerationally linked Puerto Rican families in the United States. Data indicated husbands in the parent generation with higher socioeconomic achievements, reflecting socialization to modern values, had less power in decision…

Examined one instrument devised to classify respondents for research purposes into high and low marital or dyadic adjustment groups. Data indicated that, while the overall scale performs the task reliably, the majority of its 32 items are unnecessary. Factor analysis revealed that there was one underlying "adjustment" dimension. (Author)

Explored nature of informal supports given to older women, depending upon their marital status and presence of living children. Interviewed 371 noninstitutionalized female residents of life care communities. Women who were presently, or who had been married, received more emotional, social, and instrumental support from their family members.…

Evaluated Holland's methods for characterizing person-environment interactions. Marital partners were assigned to one of four categories based on combinations of Holland variables. In general, men and women with high spouse congruence and high personality consistency obtained higher scores on general measures of marital and self-satisfaction.…

Reports on a marriage preparation program using a small discussion-group format and pre- and postwedding sessions, emphasizing communication patterns and conflict resolution. Evaluation shows that spouses in such a program are less likely to engage in destructive conflict with each other, and that spouses would seek assistance in solving problems.…

Discusses the unique characteristics of dual-career marriages/families. These familial units are identified as a high stress group presenting unusual challenges to the clinician. Specific implications for the clinician include: (1) values of therapist and clients; (2) critical issues; and (3) assets and liabilities. (Author)

Using National Longitudinal Survey panel data on wages of married women, the authors found that real wages at reentry are lower than at the point of labor force withdrawal, and the decline in wages is greater, the longer the interruption. Discusses how this data affects immigrants to the United States. (CT)

The dual career couple is forced to make a series of choices and compromises that impact the realms of marriage and career. The dilemmas that confront dual career marriages can be overcome only by compromise, accommodation, and mutual understanding on the part of the individuals involved. A revamping of human resources and recruitment programs is…