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 […]

This book is a contribution to the conversation about what can and must be done to do a better job of “”people-making,”” especially “”child-making.”” And ultimately, we must discover and implement the science and art of making better families, communities, and, we hope, a better nation and global community. This is the work that Dr. […]

Commitment to the relationship is related to the quality of the relationship. It makes sense that people who commit themselves to a relationship are more likely to find rewards than those who invest sporadically or half-heartedly. This article reviews the various dimensions of commitment in intimate relationships, including commitment as an attraction, commitment as moral […]

The reciprocal connection between religion and family life makes the topic of religious intermarriage of particular importance in the sociology of religion. Spousal influences are key for motivating religious switching and other religious commitments. Religious intermarriage has also been shown to influence a host of other outcomes, including spousal conflict, domestic violence, divorce, and fertility. […]

Effective communication is critical for building and maintaining strong couple relationships. Communication includes more than words and grammar. In fact, the emotional layer of communication may be one of the most important for couples. This article reviews basic communication theory and lays the foundation for teaching emotional communication skills to couples. (Author abstract)

This website provides information on the Retrouvaille, A program to “”Help Couples Heal and Renew their Marriages””, including program description, program dates and locations, and intended audience.

Marriage and couples education is attracting the attention of family professionals and policymakers. Public policy has been proposed in many states that impacts educational programs for high school students and couples. Because education for couples is on the state and national agendas, land-grant universities through their research, higher education, and Extension outreach programs are examining […]