Infidelity can have a devastating effect on marriages and individuals. This qualitative study explores the process of healing from infidelity and therapist behaviors that facilitate this process. In-depth client interviews suggest that healing occurs as couples pass through a seven-step process: (1) exploration of emotions and thoughts surrounding the infidelity, (2) expression of these to […]
In recent decades, there has been a widening gap between higher rates of marital instability for economically disadvantaged couples and lower rates for nondisadvantaged couples. In addition, out-of-wedlock birth rates have risen, while evidence has grown that children fare better, on average, when raised by both of their parents in stable low-conflict households. All of […]
This brief discusses the damage infidelity can cause in a marriage and strategies spouses can use to heal. Spouses are urged to explore what happened and why the affair occurred, and to communicate openly and honestly. The need for unfaithful partners to express sincere regret and remorse is stressed, as well as for couples to […]
This brief describes how the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative has used research in planning, ongoing operations, expansions, and evaluation of outcomes. It also discusses the creation and use of a research advisory group and the development of strategies for incorporating research in the context of a dynamic, evolving, broad-based initiative. (Author abstract)
This brief explains the meaning of trust, the need for trust, and the origins and development of trust. Theories on the origins of interpersonal trust are explored, including the individual propensity to trust, dimensions of trustworthy behavior and levels of trust development. The difference between calculus-based trust (CBT) relationships and the more trusting identification-based trust […]
Sixteen of the top scholars on family life have re-issued a joint report on the importance of marriage. First released in 2002, the newly revised edition highlights five new themes in marriage-related research. Since 1960, the proportion of children who do not live with their own two parents has risen sharply–from 19.4% to 42.3% in […]
This exercise will help couples look ahead and assess the growth potential of their relationship. It should enable them to work on positive prospects for future planning and avoid, if possible, negative ones. Each person responds to the questions independently and then come together to discuss, evaluate and plan for their future. (Author abstract modified)
Most people believe they are good listeners without considering the important differences between hearing and listening. The ability to hear is typically innate, but the ability to listen well is a skill that must be developed and practiced. Listening means paying attention and making a conscious effort to process what you hear. It is one […]
Marital couples are urged to examine their marriage by taking a 15-question quiz that is based on a ten-week couple counseling program. The questions address: communication, flirting, making time for each other, fighting, confidentiality, sex, handling disagreements, household duties, and emotional support. Recommendations are provided based on quiz results.
This fact sheet discusses the importance of positive communication in the marital relationship. It provides the following tips for expressing negative feelings constructively: don’t exaggerate, don’t mind read, use more “”I”” statements and less “”you”” statements, and don’t generalize. Advice is also given for expressing positive feelings without inhibition, listening to negative feelings openly, and […]