Explored sources of instrumental support for older persons (N=753) of varying levels of functional capacity. Results suggested that spouses are the primary source of help for married elders with impaired capacity; adult daughters are the major helpers when a spouse is not present. (Author/RC)

Data from a national sample found that cohabitors are more violent than marrieds. However, cohabitors over 30, divorced women, those with high incomes, and those who were together for over ten years, had very low rates of violence. Suggests cohabitation should not be seen as a unitary phenomenon. (Author)

Investigated the emotional expression and physiological reactivity of spouses (N=6) as they discussed a salient interpersonal issue. Results indicated that wive's speech was characterized by less neutral and more negative behavior. Wives also reciprocated their husbands' positive and negative speech, while husbands did not reciprocate their wives'…

Describes a behavioral problem-solving package designed to train negotiation and emotional expression skills. Training consisted of modeling, behavioral rehearsal, and feedback regarding the rehearsal. Training was associated with increases in target, nontarget, and subjective behaviors, thereby demonstrating generalized treatment effects. (Author)

Analyzes explanations for the increasingly common nature of remarriage after divorce. Describes six developmental tasks which are faced by persons approaching the status passage from divorced to remarried. Discusses emotional, psychic, community, parental, economic, and legal stations of remarriage. (Author)

Effects of children on their parents' marital happiness were estimated, with data from six U.S. national surveys conducted from 1973-1978 using various subpopulations. No evidence for distinctly positive mean effects was found for any subpopulation. Supports findings that, on the average, children adversely affect marital quality. (Author/RC)

Describes a group for couples deciding whether or not to have children. Couples (N=4) participated in various group exercises and activities. Results indicated the group experience was positive for most members: they gained an understanding of their own needs and attitudes, of their spouses' positions, and of issues involved. (Author)

Investigated the impact of the residential segregation of social status groups on choice of marriage partner in New Zealand. Data suggested that homogamy and propinquity are independent influences on choice of a spouse. Segregation does not interact with distance to circumscribe choice, but it is important in its own right. (Author)

Investigated possible gender differences in bases of marital satisfaction. Data indicated that marital quality of men and women differ in degree rather than in kind. Suggests men may be more satisfied with their marriages than women but the same factors are important in their assessments. (Author/RC)

Uses the concept of collusion to explain the formation and persistence of patient-caretaker dyads which may help explain the role of family dynamics in cases of chronic pain. Suggests the caretaking role may be extreme and contibute to the maintenance of a chronic pain role. (Author/JAC)

Findings for couples (N=119) show wife's work, money, and spare time low between-spouse correlations are due in part to random measurement error. Suggests that increasing reliability of measures by creating multi-item indices can also increase correlations. Car purchase, vacation, and child discipline were not accounted for by random measurement…

Examines issues and special problems of older women caring for disabled spouses. Describes a multiservice project designed to provide support and respite for this high-risk group of caregivers. Implications for policy and practice are discussed with recommendations for further study. (RC)

Age at marriage, marital duration, religiosity and income have an effect on thinking about divorce independent of their effect on marital dissatisfaction. Wife's employment and the presence of preschool children are likely to lead to thoughts about divorce. (Author)

Whether the union is jeopardized by disappointment, fear of not achieving satisfaction in life, or other problems, the couple in crisis may turn to divorce as the lesser evil. The mediation process is of potential value to those couples who may want to avoid protracted, painful lawsuits. (Author)

Higher status was associated with greater life satisfaction, but not all status factors correlated with life satisfaction. Different status factors correlated with life satisfaction depending on the older person's involvement in organizations. The negative effects of status inconsistency were not stronger among those experiencing recent traumatic…