Occupational stressors of clergy are identified, such as ambiguity about role and function on the job as well as work load. Stress producers such as role conflict and responsibility, sex roles, communication difficulties, and working conditions are examined. (CT)

Alternative models of the choice of retirement state are estimated on a sample of white married males from the Retirement History Survey, 1967-73. Findings suggest that the critical choice for a large number of older workers appears to be that of labor force participation first, with either partial or full-time employment determined conditionally…

The effects of family migration (1) are negative for employment status, weeks worked, and earnings, null for weeks unemployed, and marginal for attitudes; (2) are similar for married women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s; and (3) do not last beyond the first or second year after a move. (Author/RM)

Examined factors associated with marital interaction, particularly women's employment and marital happiness, in a nationwide sample of 2,034 men and women. Results suggested interaction is reduced by both men's and women's job involvement, children, and a traditional division of household labor. Marital quality was the most important predictor.…

This digest focuses on early marriage--the marriage of children and young people under the age of 18--from a human rights perspective. Research into early marriage has tended to concentrate on specific aspects of its impact, such as the effects on reproductive health and school drop-out. There has been little examination of the practice as a child…

Analyzed data on employment after marriage for a cohort of women born around 1938. Results show a decline in the propensity to follow a conventional pattern of leaving the work force due to marriage or childbirth. The double track pattern of employment during childrearing is more common. (Author/JAC)

Discusses the need for better integration of theory and measurement in the design and evaluation of marital communication skills training programs. Recommendations are presented for the use of self-report measures of marital communication and the evaluation of the family theory used in program design. (Author/JAC)

Assessed the effects of cohabitation on subsequent marital adjustment. A comparison of couples (N=54) who had lived together before marriage with couples (N=30) who had not, showed significant differences. Unexpectedly, noncohabiters obtained higher marital satisfaction scores. Possible explanations in terms of test items are suggested.…

Describes therapist-structured marital separation for distressed couples during their critical period of deciding whether to divorce or remain married. Discusses characteristics of marital distress appropriate for structured marital separation, potential benefits, and design of the separation contract. Issues addressed include duration, frequency…

Discusses treatment issues in conjoint marital therapy, currently accepted as the preferred format for treating marital difficulties. Describes the use of linear or paradoxical letters to the nonattending spouse, providing research data regarding potential hazards of one-spouse therapy. Sample letters are included. (JAC)

Suggests conjoint reading aloud as an initial assignment in behavioral marital therapy. The spouses are directed to read a book on marital conflict and communication five times during the week following the initial interview. Conjoint reading addresses the experientially salient problems of verbal conflict. (Author/JAC)

Reviews 19 research studies on the Minnesota Couple Communication Program (CCP) which indicates an immediate positive effect on communication behavior and relationship satisfaction. Found CCP does not alter reported levels of self-disclosure or self-esteem. Positive changes persisted in some studies, but evidence of the durability of effects is…

A survey on work experience of the population shows that the median income of families with an unemployed member was 21 percent lower than that of families without unemployment. (Author)

Examined the effects of a structured choice-awareness, marriage enrichment program on participants' marital satisfaction and self-concept. Meaningful trends in the predicted direction of increased marital satisfaction and increased self-concept were noted for the experimental group. (Author)

Suggests that intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts are influential in marital relationships. Results indicate happy couples had predispositions for productively managing conflict; clinical couples had higher aggressiveness predispositions. Happy couples also had more loyalty to their communities, more energy for tasks, and more positive…