The Science Behind Healthy Marriage

Abstract:  Previous research has shown advantages for adolescents in two-parent nuclear families in terms of social, emotional, and physical well-being.  However, these findings have been primarily based on European American adolescents, with ethnic minorities largely ignored.  The current study examines five samples of African American youth in two-parent families with varying family structures.  Results show no difference on indicators of well-being in youth living in two-parent nuclear families versus two-parent stepfamilies.  This may indicate that for African American youth, the presence of a father figure, whether biological or step, is predictive of positive outcomes.

 

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Abstract:  Previous research on the effects of relationship/marriage education (RME) on parenting practices is limited, and has focused largely on European American populations.  The current study examines the effects of parental participation in RME on co-parenting quality and preschool children’s social competence on a low-income, minority population.  Data obtained from parents through Head Start centers in the southeast over a two year period showed an initial positive effect on co-parenting quality immediately following participation, however these effects were not sustained over time.  Significantly, findings showed that parental participation in RME had sustained positive effects on preschool children’s social skills.

 

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Abstract:  Research has found relationship and marriage education (RME) to correlate with higher couple quality and relationship satisfaction.  Additionally, post-divorce relationships may be at a higher risk for instability and/or dissolution.  The current study examines the effects of RME on couple quality and relationship satisfaction in a sample of remarried, post-divorce cohabitating, and post-divorce dating individuals, drawn from the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative.  Results showed that cohabiting participants benefited the most in terms of their sense of relationship stability.  Prior to participating, remarried participants reported higher levels of confidence in their relationship than their dating or cohabiting counterparts.  This indicates that RME may have been particularly beneficial to cohabitating individuals who experienced feelings of uncertainty about the status of their non-married relationship.

 

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Abstract:  Based on research that shows the quality of the marital relationship is directly correlated with the overall quality of family life and its dimensions, the current study examines the extent to which participation in relationship/marriage education (RME) affects parenting.  Results from 582 parents showed direct links between positive changes in the couple relationship and positive changes in the parenting relationship.  Additionally, changes in couple conflict behaviors directly predicted changes in co-parenting conflict behaviors.  Practical implications include utilizing RME as a tool to indirectly improve child well-being through the co-parenting and parent-child relationships.

 

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Abstract:  The systemic perspective on marriage/relationship education (MRE) suggests, based on research, that the self care associated with MRE should carry with it a decrease in depressive symptoms on an individual level.  The present study utilizes a sample of 1,991 individuals participating in community based MRE programs.  Findings showed a decrease in depressive symptoms among participants.  Additionally, participants who identified their relationships as in distress showed greater declines in depressive symptoms than those who did not.  The findings of this study are limited by the lack of a control group.  Further research ought to be conducted on the relationship between MRE and depression.

 

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Abstract:  Two common hypotheses exist when explaining the increased likelihood of divorce among remarried couples. Selection bias suggests that remarried couples are a different population from non-remarried couples as they have previously chosen to exit a marriage. The context hypothesis is the idea that stepfamilies by nature are faced with complications that lower marital satisfaction. The present study examines the competing by examining stability and dedication measures across (1) first-marrieds without children, (2) first-marrieds with children, (3) remarrieds without children, and (4) remarrieds with children. Results showed evidence to back both hypotheses. The stability scale showed that remarried couples with children were far less stable than any of the other three groups, backing the context hypothesis. The dedication scale was less clear as dedication relates to both hypotheses. Results showed that remarried couples with and without children did not differ from each other but reported lower levels of dedication than first-married couples. These results indicate the need for further research on the processes leading to remarital instability.

 

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Abstract:  The present study examines the relationship between marriage life role salience (MLRS) and attitudes toward counseling (ATC) in a sample of 4,013 youth. Previous research has indicated that female youth may be more likely to have positive attitudes toward counseling, but that ATC in youth tends to be fairly neutral. Results from the current study showed that higher levels of commitment in youth correlated with more positive ATC. Gender differences diminished with higher levels of MLRS. Overall, the correlation between MLRS and ATC is modest. More research is needed on what influences these variables in youth.

 

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Abstract:  Previous research shows that couple functioning is predictive of child outcomes and that interpersonal conflict is associated with negative outcomes for children in terms of social behavior and attention skills. The present study examines the effect of relationship and marriage education (RME) on coparenting quality and social development in preschoolers. A sample of 80 children from Head Start centers in Alabama showed that long-term, sustained changes in social competence for children of parents participating in RME.

 

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Abstract:  The matching hypothesis suggests that similar demographic characteristics are important in program implementation. The current study examines facilitator abilities and facilitator/participant demographic similarity and the effect these variables have on outcomes of couple and relationship education (CRE). From a sample of 119 facilitators and 3,080 participants, results showed that facilitator quality was associated with facilitator/participant match on sex. Additionally, facilitator quality was predictive of change in individual and couple quality. Facilitators with shared experiences may be viewed as more credible by participants. Future research and implementation design may benefit from matching participant/facilitator demographics. Additionally, it is important to note it seems it is not curriculum content alone, but facilitator quality, as well, that predicts positive outcomes.

 

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Abstract:  The present study examines gender role attitude changes in relation to marital status change over time. A sample of 590 subjects, all of whom were in first marital relationships at time one, were examined over a 20 year period. Results showed that those who divorced and remained single after time one declined significantly in traditional gender role attitudes, while those who remained continuously married showed a more slight decline. Those in remarital relationships showed a modest but significant shift toward more egalitarian gender roles, followed by a more abrupt shift toward traditional gender roles in the year 2000.

 

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Abstract: Limited knowledge exists regarding differences in relationship and marriage education (RME) experiences based on social address. The current study examines pre- and post-program data from 1293 ethnically and economically diverse adults participating in
RME programs. Investigations centered on whether race, income, marital status, and attendance status (i.e., attend with partner or singly) predicted baseline levels and change in a broad range of indicators of individual functioning, couple functioning, and confidence in one’s relationship for men and women. Income was the strongest predictor of baseline levels; higher income was associated with higher entry levels in all three target areas. In addition, race predicted unique variance in individual functioning, and marital status and attendance status predicted unique variance in relational targets. Men and women demonstrated positive changes in all target areas following RME participation. Attending with a partner was the only predictor of change in target outcomes for women and was the strongest predictor of change in target outcomes for men. Lower income and being married also predicted.

 

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Abstract: Although scholars conclude that children/adolescents in two-parent nuclear families have an advantage over those in stepfamilies, emerging evidence indicates that the experiences of African American youths have been overshadowed. In three replicated studies, we detected no differences on several important and commonly assessed well-being and competence indicators among samples of African American youth in two-parent nuclear and stepfamilies.

 

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Abstract: Offerings of CRE in recent years have included more diverse populations of participants, as well as more diverse facilitators in community-based program delivery. As a result, the opportunity has emerged to examine contextual factors that may impact program effects. This study examines the relationship between participant-facilitator demographic match of ethnicity, sex, education, and relationship status on reported facilitator quality and program outcomes, as well as the relationship between facilitator quality and program outcomes. Results indicated that sex match was related to facilitator quality. Relationship status match was related to change in couple functioning, and education match was related to change in individual functioning. Additionally, facilitator quality was related to program outcomes. Findings suggest the value of adopting an additive approach to program implementation, in which facilitation quality/skills and similarity between participant and facilitator are considered.

 

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Abstract: Research indicates the quality of the interparental and couple relationships have an impact on parenting and child development, including children’s social skills and academic abilities. However, few applied studies have tested whether efforts to enhance the couple and co-parenting relationships result in benefits to children, and no research exists that tests these assumptions with underrepresented populations. This research brief provides information on an ongoing novel study of Head Start parents and their children. Using a quasi-experimental design, an initial cohort of 80, primarily African American, low-income parents participated in the study as either participants in a relationship education program or participant controls. Relationship education participants completed a 6-week community education program focusing on couple and co-parenting dynamics and relationship quality. Relationship education participants demonstrate better outcomes than the control participants in the area of co-parenting disagreements, and reports of preschool children’s social competence. Participants’ scores on both measures show significant improvement at one-year follow-up, while control parents and their children demonstrate more co-parenting disagreements and decreases in children’s social competence. This promising early finding, if validated through final results of the study, may lead to enhanced family programs for parents inclusive of couples and relationship education, as a means for promoting more pro-social behaviors in the classroom.

 

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Abstract: Assumptions of the increased risk for stepchildren of physical abuse by a stepparent are based on a very limited and increasingly outdated literature. Although the majority of the 11 studies reviewed suggest that stepchildren are overrepresented as physical abuse victims, most of these studies are limited by their small sample sizes, consideration of households rather than victim-offender relationship, and the use of a low comparison population estimate of children living in stepfamilies, leaving questions remaining about the comparative risk of physical abuse by a stepparent. The following provides summaries of the studies' research questions, theoretical foundations, methods, and findings. Additionally, recommendations for future research are offered that center on the need for process studies of family interactions.

Absract: Department of Defense (DoD) surveys were examined to develop a demographic profile of military families affected by divorce and remarriage. It appears that a substantial portion of military personnel have experienced divorce, are in remarriages, and have nonresidential children, particularly given the young average age of military personnel. Compared to the U.S. population, service members marry, divorce, and remarry earlier. Divorced and remarried service members are slightly over-represented among the enlisted ranks, joint service couples, and lower education categories. Notably, the proportions of female service members who have experienced divorce and remarriage in different age categories are substantially greater than the proportions of male service members and women in the U.S. Implications are discussed.

Abstract: Adolescent-focused marriage education is a relatively uncharted research area. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study examined the effectiveness of an adapted version of the curriculum entitled, Love U2: Increasing Your Relationship Smarts with an economically, geographically, and racially diverse sample of 340 high school students. Findings suggest that participants showed increases in 5 dimensions of their relationship knowledge, including their ability to identify unhealthy relationship patterns. Participants also had more realistic beliefs about relationships/marriages and reported lower levels of verbal aggression use at post-program compared to controls. Moreover, these findings existed across race, household income, and family structure type, with all participating students benefiting in similar ways. Implications for future programming and research are discussed.

Abstract: A significant proportion of marriages form stepfamilies. It is important for educators to recognize and consider these couples’ educational needs to ensure that they function well as a couple within the context of stepfamily development. From a review of the literature, we present prevalent issues and factors associated with healthy couple functioning in stepfamilies for marriage educators and practitioners. Information is offered on such implementation issues as guiding theoretical perspectives, program content, learning objectives, facilitator and participant characteristics, and recruitment for work with couples in stepfamilies.

 

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Abstract: There is an increasing focus on healthy couple relationships and marriages in family life education and Cooperative Extension programs. The research clearly indicates the ways in which healthy couple/marital functioning benefits individuals, children, and communities. Conversely, unhealthy couple relationships and marriages are clearly linked, both directly and indirectly, to adverse individual, family, and community outcomes. These effects underscore the importance of including relationship and marriage education in family life education programs. Other research using representative samples documents expressed community need and interest in marriage education. With both the demand and the need for relationship and marriage education, consideration should be given to providing effective programming that is both research informed as well as researchvalidated. In addition, contextual factors, such as community demographics, public opinion, and administrative support are considerations for implementation design.

 

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Abstract: This article examines current efforts to provide community education programs for couples in stepfamilies. The study used qualitative interviews to explore the range of approaches, formats, settings, costs, and content used by Extension/non-Extension educators in programs for stepfamily couples. Results indicate that despite the prevalence of stepfamily couples in our communities and their unique needs in relationship programs, a dearth of current offerings exist. Those that do are as likely led by a volunteer as a trained professional; however, key concepts taught are similar across programs. Implications for educators are offered.

 

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Abstract: Because of unique challenges associated with stepfamily living, couples in stepfamilies have distinct educational needs. Smart Steps is an innovative program that teaches relational knowledge and skills for couples and children in stepfamilies. Results from 195 ethnically and economically diverse participants attending Smart Steps classes at 11 different sites suggest that Smart Steps is effective in enhancing knowledge and agreement on stepfamily issues such as finances, parenting, and co-parenting with ex-partners.

 

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Abstract: Gender role attitudes influence marital satisfaction and stability and are typically treated as stable traits in adulthood. Theory and retrospective studies suggest changes in the life course based on relationship histories; however, tests of these assumptions are virtually nonexistent. Analyses from a longitudinal, nationally representative U.S. sample of 590 married individuals who vary in their marital experiences revealed both period effects and distinct within-group change patterns. Over a 20-year time period all demonstrate a shift toward more egalitarian attitudes. However, contrary to retrospective accounts asserting a steep increase in egalitarian attitudes in remarriages, prospective data from men and women indicate a curvilinear pattern over time that is distinct from patterns observed for continuously married and divorced/not remarried individuals.

 

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Abstract: The therapeutic alliance has consistently predicted client outcomes in psychotherapy. This study uses attachment theory as a resource in understanding the therapeutic alliance. Participants in this study were 27 mothers, 15 fathers, and 23 adolescents that participated in family therapy. Results indicate that mothers' reports of trust in their oldest child predicted the alliance, and adolescent ratings of trust in mothers and fathers moderated the relationship between therapy alliance and symptom distress'. Implications for family therapy research and practice are discussed.

Abstract:  The role of the therapy alliance in therapy outcome for families dealing with child abuse and neglect was examined using the family as the unit of analysis. The alliance was tested as a moderator in relationship to posttreatment levels of symptom distress and physical violence. Results show that the bonds, goals, and tasks subscale scores are significantly related to posttreatment levels of symptom distress and that the goals subscale score is significantly related to posttreatment level of violence. There is an interaction between bonds and level of violence at intake, suggesting that the greater the level of violence at intake, the more important the bonds domain.

Abstract: This study assesses the association between adult attachment styles, religiosity, and courtship violence as experienced by females. The sample was composed of 299, 18 to 24-year-old females attending junior level Human Development and Family Studies courses at a mid-western state university. Statistical analyses evaluated interactional effects and mean-level differences for both victimization and perpetration of courtship violence. Additionally, structural equation models were generated. Results indicate significant relationships between adult attachment styles and religiosity on reports of victimization from intimate partners. In general, the results suggest that females with low religiosity and insecure attachment styles report experiencing more courtship violence than females reporting high religiosity and secure attachment styles. The analyses also provide support for a multidimensional conceptualization of religiosity. Indicators of ‘relationship’ religiosity were more strongly linked to lower reports of courtship violence than personal and private relationship measures. The findings suggest that future studies evaluating the effects of religiosity on courtship violence should include measures of ‘relationship’ religiosity.

Abstract:  Based on the Normative Hypothesis, theorists have believed that differences in sexuality among black and white males would affect each group differently due to the disparate cultural norms. The current study evaluates the relationship between adolescent sexual attitudes and timing of first sexual intercourse as factors affecting problem behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and sense of security among black and white adolescents. The sample size comprised of 847 black and white adolescent males from rural Alabama. Results discovered that earlier sexual expression was dealt with differently for white and black adolescents, depending on timing of first intercourse. Most interestingly, it appears that the decision process for having sex is different for white and black adolescents. The model fits better for white adolescents.

Abstract: This article describes the Intersession Report, a short, easily administered nine-item questionnaire that clients complete at the beginning of each therapy session. This questionnaire was developed to enable clinicians and researchers to routinely collect standardized data on clients. Results showed that the Intersession Report has three subscales that represent Functioning, Symptoms, and Alliance. The subscales scores demonstrated multiple forms of validity and reliability. The Intersession Report provides clinicians a quick and easy way to assess clients. It also provides researchers information on clients who discontinue therapy and information that can be used in assessing attrition bias.

Abstract:  Social capital may be particularly important for the well-being and future opportunities of African American adolescents living in low income families. In this study, linkages between interpersonal identity formation and adolescents’ perceptions of social capital quality were examined in a cross-sectional study of 374 low income, rural, African American adolescents (161 males, 213 females), ranging in age from 12 to 19. It was argued that adolescents who have stronger commitments to their interpersonal identities will report better social capital quality. Analysis of variance results indicated that adolescents classified as foreclosed (high commitment/low exploration) in identity status never differed in their perceptions of social capital quality from those classified as achieved (high commitment/high exploration) in identity status. Furthermore, results of structural equation modeling indicated that identity commitment mattered most for explaining variability in social capital quality. Implications for African American adolescent identity formation and future research directions are discussed.

Abstract:  Identity control theory (Kerpelman, Pittman, & Lamke, Journal of Adolescent Research, 12: 325–346, 1997) and the literature on possible selves (Markus & Nurius, American Psychologist, 41: 954–969, 1986) and family influences on adolescents’ vocational choices (e.g., Otto, Journal of Career Development, 27: 111–117, 2000; Whiston & Keller, The Counseling Psychologist, 32: 493– 568, 2004) were used to guide this study of young women’s career aspirations. How mother–daughter and father–daughter relationships were associated with young women’s certainty about their anticipated future careers was addressed with data from 304 female undergraduates. Findings indicated that parent–daughter connectedness predicted the young women’s anticipated distress, as well as their willingness to change to fit parental views should their parents disagree with their career aspirations. In addition, anticipated distress mediated associations between willingness to change and connectedness with parents, and between willingness to change and father–daughter career discussions. Discussing career goals with mother increased mother’s influence, but decreased father’s influence, on daughter’s career certainty under conditions of father–daughter disagreement about career choice. The ability to separate her own feelings from those of her father was particularly important in reducing the daughter’s willingness to change her career goals to fit maternal or paternal expectations. Collectively, these findings offer additional insights about the role of parent–adolescent relationships in understanding young women’s career aspirations and note the importance of considering the distinct influences of mothers and fathers on their daughters’ career goals and plans.

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to investigate self concept consistency and orientation towards the future in a sample of Swedish late adolescents (mean age 18.5). The introject part of Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (Benjamin, 1974) questionnaire, a Future Index, and an incomplete sentence task were administered to 132 participants. Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that participants with an inconsistent self concept had a significantly more negative view of their future relative to those with a consistent self concept. Qualitative analyses supported the quantitative findings but also revealed similarities among respondents in terms of ‘what’ they think about, when they think about their future. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of transitions to adulthood.

Abstract: Adolescence is a key time to offer relationships/marriage education, as it is during adolescence that youth begin to actively explore romantic relationships. Providing effective relationships education can support positive youth development and help reduce impulsive and health-compromising behaviors. Relationships education also can facilitate movement toward well- functioning committed relationships and marriages in adulthood. This article addresses the value of romantic relationships education for adolescents, and offers an example of a youth-focused relationships education curriculum. A summary of key findings from the first year of a multi-year curriculum evaluation study is provided.

 

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Abstract: The current study, using data from 374 African American students (59.4% female) in grades 7--12 attending a rural, southern county public school, addressed associations of self-efficacy, ethnic identity and parental support with "future education orientation." Both gender and current level of achievement distinguished adolescents with differing levels of future education orientation. The strongest predictors of future education orientation were self-efficacy, ethnic identity and maternal support. Gender did not moderate these associations. Implications for future research include the need to conduct longitudinal studies and research that integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to elucidate further the nature and importance of future education orientation for African American youth. Also needed are policies and programs that facilitate school bonding and academic performance, as are efforts that focus specifically on enhancing the future education orientation and academic success of African American male adolescents.

Abstract:  We propose that interventions targeting youth should consider the effects of identity formation on outcomes. In this study, data from 935 high school students address the potential moderating effects of identity style (high vs. low informational, normative, diffuse
orientations) on intervention-related change in faulty relationship beliefs, future orientation, perceived interpersonal communication
skills, salience of future marital and parental roles, and perception of knowledge gains. Four moderating effects suggest that high use of
informational style promotes active exploration of curriculum content. Two moderating effects suggest that high use of the normative style limits responsiveness to some topics. Finally, three moderating effects reveal a tendency for diffuse students to resist the positive messages of the curriculum. Taken together, findings support the idea that identity style is an important influence on intervention outcomes.

Abstract: Research has demonstrated that (in)effective parenting influences whether a child/adolescent engages in deviant behaviors; however, research is mixed regarding whether that influence is direct. After a review of theoretical and empirical evidence, parenting factors outlined by several theories appear important in the association between parenting and deviance. More importantly, however, is that the parental influence may not be direct, but rather mediated through a child/adolescent’s level of self-control and social information
processing skills. As such, evidence suggests that to fully understand the complex association between parenting and deviance, parenting and mediating factors from multiple theories must be explored simultaneously.