This publication contains updates of the following figures from the 2007 State of Our Unions: Figure 1. Number of Marriages per 1,000 Unmarried Women Age 15 and Older, by Year, United States Figure 2. Percentage of All Persons Age 15 and Older Who Were Married, by Sex and Race, 1960-2007 United States Figure 3. Percentage […]
This guide provides practical strategies to help you recruit teens into your MRE services. Consider the following four tips: Know and be able to explain why teen marriage/relationship education matters Choose a setting and/or partnership Market your message Consider all your recruitment options (Author abstract)
This year’s feature essay, “”The Future of Marriage in America,”” a look at recent social trends shows that, while we are still the most marrying of Western nations, the United States is gradually moving towards the weaker marriage systems of other modern societies. This year’s updated index of trends in marriage, divorce, and cohabitation includes […]
The second part in a 3-part series, this brief explains effective strategies for active listening between couples. The strategies include: use body language that signals that you are listening intently to your partner; after the speaker has communicated their point, pause to reflect on what has been said and replay in your own words what […]
In addition to challenges all couples face in their relationships, military couples encounter difficult stressors unique to life in the armed services. Marriage education programs have the potential to provide military couples with the tools necessary to build healthy marriages. This exploratory study examines the effectiveness of the Active Military Life Skills Program (AMLS) in […]
The third part in a 3-part series, this brief explains common communication mistakes couples make including: criticism, sarcasm and cynicism, mounting a counter attack when feeling defensive, and engaging in the silent treatment. For each communication foul, an example is provided to illustrate the offending behavior and strategies are recommended for more effective communication. A […]
To explore the similarities and contrasts between poor and non-poor families, Child Trends analyzed data for more than 100,000 families from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health. Our results suggest that, although poor families experience socioeconomic disadvantages, these families may be enriched by the strengths found in their family routines and relationships. Specifically, we […]
This fact sheet explores some common features of emotional cheating and offer strategies to avoid emotional cheating. It begins by defining emotional cheating as an intimacy between two people who are in a committed relationship to other persons and does not immediately include a physical relationship. Strategies for avoiding emotional cheating are then explained and […]
Designed for social workers in Washington, D.C., this fact sheet provides tips for recognizing domestic violence and steps to help client victims. The definition of domestic violence under D.C. law is discussed, as well as indicators of domestic abuse and the referral process for victims of domestic abuse.
The divorce rate among Christians is higher than that of the average population. This statistic is cause for concern and change in church preparation for marriage. Although instruction for pastoral premarital counseling exists, most churches do not follow the minimum guidelines. Churches need a new proactive model for building good marriages rather than mending broken […]