This federally funded brief discusses how the rise in the popularity of cohabiting is linked to other important shifts in family patterns in the United States, and provides information on the number of cohabiting couples with children, different types of cohabitation, and research findings on cohabitation. Evidence is cited that indicates cohabiting before marriage is […]
This brief describes how depression can negatively affect both partners in a marriage, offers statistics on the incidence of depression, and discusses different types of depression. Common signs of depression in men and in women are identified, and possible reasons for depression are explained. Finally, treatment options are reviewed. 7 references.
Recruiting the right people and putting them in the right positions can increase your organization’s ability to reach more couples and families without the added expenses of hiring more staff. This tip sheet provides volunteer management techniques to assist your organization in more effectively managing volunteers for the benefit of your organization, your volunteers, and […]
This Research Brief examines the training/preparation available to leaders of the faith community, with an emphasis on Christian clergy, formally trained through a seminary or other organized system. Most of the scholarly literature available exploring the preparation for and practice of marriage education/preparation among clergy is in the form of unpublished doctoral dissertations. (Author abstract)
This report explores the effects of employment-relatedoutcomes (namely, average hours worked per week and average earnings per week) on the likelihood of marriage. The key challenge in estimating the effects of various employment-related outcomes on men’s or women’s likelihood of marriage is to account for the possibility that family status may affect employment outcomes (reverse […]
This federally funded guide shares what is known about promising practices in healthy marriage and relationship (HMR) programs, especially those serving low-income and culturally diverse populations. It is intended to be helpful to a variety of audiences, including those who are interested in starting a new program, those already involved in running a program, and […]
This fact sheet explores unique stepfamily characteristics and stepfamily dynamics. Data is shared on the number of stepfamilies, different types of stepfamilies, and nonresidential and cohabiting stepfamilies. It is estimated that between 10 and 20% of U.S. children reside in stepfamilies, and data is reported that indicates between 1997 and 2002, the percentage of stepfamilies […]
This brief explores how stressful events affect marriages and offers tips for handling stress in a relationship. Tips include: figure out what is bothering you, stay connected to your partner, maintain intimacy, and find a balance between work and family life. 2 references.
Staff turnover is one of the leading concerns among employers. Losing experienced staff can affect the ability to meet program and organizational goals and the cost of turnover rises depending on the level of the position with the organization. This can be especially difficult in a healthy marriage program, as good staff are the key […]
This brief explains the differences between marriage education classes and marriage counseling sessions to help couples decide which is most appropriate for meeting their needs. The goals of marriage education are identified and include improving couple communication, resolving conflict productively, working together as a team, and strengthening the trust and commitment in the relationship. Couples […]