How do Michigan residents rate their own marriages? Does happiness in marriage differ across social and economic status? What factors contribute to a happy marriage for Michigan residents? Are there seeds of discord in otherwise happy marriages among married Michigan residents? Using data from the State of the State Survey (SOSS) from the fall of […]

Theory and research on adult attachment style emphasize the crucial role that the sense of attachment security plays in the formation and maintenance of couple relationships. In the present article, we review studies that have examined the contribution of adult attachment style to relational cognitions, emotions, and behaviors as well as to the formation, quality, […]

This essay is about the role of crime in the demise of marriage and the loss of another generation of husbands in many American communities. In other words, it’s about the loss of countless spouses who love and support their wives — the mothers of theirchildren. It’s also, therefore, about the loss of countless fathers […]

This study reviews the development of the Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS). The MSS was designed to assess one’s level of satisfaction toward his or her own marriage. Marital satisfaction was defined as an attitude of greater or lesser favorability toward one’s own marital relationship. Measurement of the perception of one’s marriage by means of an […]

An information brief on Minnesota’s marriage income tax credit and marriage penalty legislation.

Troubling new trends in substance abuse remind family professionals that the work to increase awareness is needed now more than ever. This publication is one of a series of Fact Sheets available from the National Council on Family Relations. Highlighted are: defining substance abuse, prevention and intervention awareness for professionals, and public policy matters.

Anne Menard’s presentation starts with a review of what is known about domestic violence and its impact on families. She also reviews some of the issues and questions that have been identified by the grantees as related to responding to domestic violence within Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood projects. Ms. Menard summarizes by exploring how […]

In a successful marriage, couples have more positive than negative interactions. There are more times of talking cheerfully than of talking angrily. Positive interactions and good times help couples feel loved and respected. Negative interactions and bad times lead to feelings of hurt, anger, and sadness. (Author abstract).

Money is a problem for many families. Poor communication about money often is the root of financial problems. When family members have different values and attitudes toward spending and money, or when families set unrealistic goals, conflicts may occur. When families don’t “”talk things out,”” even the most workable spending plan may fail. Talking about […]