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Many Millennials (aged 18-30 in 2016) are struggling with financial capability and independence. As efforts unfold to address this issue by improving financial education, Millennials themselves can offer helpful family-centered ideas for children's financial learning. As part of the Whats and Hows of Family Financial $ocialization project, this qualitative study explored the ideas of 126 undergraduate students enrolled in family finance classes at three institutions from three regions of the United States about how and what they intend to teach their future children about finances. Thematic content analysis and coding of interviews revealed four core themes: (a) "Communicating Family Finances," (b) "Opportunities for Responsibility," (c) "The Value of Hard Work," and (d) "The Process of Saving." These findings have implications for parents, future parents, financial counselors, financial planners, family life educators, financial educators, therapists, and researchers in improving parental financial education for future generations.

Objective: We used qualitative data to evaluate how religious and interfaith couples may view the influences of fidelity and/or loyalty on their marriage. Background: Religion often regulates beliefs surrounding marriage and sexuality. Religion tends to support fidelity to marital vows. Previous quantitative studies indicated that higher religiosity is linked with higher levels of marital stability and satisfaction. Method: Using semistructured interviews with 261 married couples (N = 522) who were identified as both religious and relational exemplars, the potential connections and processes between religion, relationships, and fidelity or integrity were examined. Results: Three core themes emerged from systematic team‐based analyses: (1) integrity and/or fidelity strengthened marital quality and stability, (2) integrity and/or fidelity were core marital values and virtues, and (3) religion taught, developed, and motivated marital integrity and fidelity. Three subthemes were identified under this final theme: (3a) religious lifestyle, (3b) religious beliefs, and (3c) commitment to God. Contradictory voices that expressed and described challenges to marital integrity and fidelity are presented. Conclusion: Couples discussed how their faiths' teachings on integrity and/or fidelity strengthened marital quality and stability, added to their core marital values and virtues, and motivated marital integrity and/or fidelity through a religious lifestyle, religious beliefs and morals, and commitment to God that built commitment and fidelity to spouse. Implications: Therapists and educators who recognize that these deeply held values contribute to couples' stability and satisfaction within their relationship may be able to ask, understand, and harness religious strengths to facilitate commonalities and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors explored the psychosocial consequences of the COVID‐19 homestay lockdown for preschool‐age children and their parents using a mixed‐method design. Background: Few studies have examined the impact of a global pandemic on family adaptive processes among parents and their preschool age children. Method: Participants were 24 highly educated White and Asian parents with children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP) at Louisiana State University. Parents completed an online survey that assessed sociodemographic and health characteristics, and they participated in an interview with their children. Results: Content analysis of parent and child narratives yielded four core themes: (a) expanded family time with family needs prioritized, (b) staying informed with current pandemic news, (c) positive experiences included more time spent with family, and (d) negative experiences included disruptions to family and work‐related routines. Conclusion: Personal and professional challenges that families faced during the COVID‐19 lockdown were loss of familiar routines, managing stressors, and protecting health. Positive factors included prioritization of family needs and new opportunities for intergenerational relationships with extended family and grandparents. Implications: Parents, teachers, and extended family support adaptive family processes that promote resilience and psychosocial well‐being despite the uncertainties of a global pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore qualitatively the connections among religion, hope, and relationships. Background: Both hope and religion have often been associated with positive individual and relational outcomes. Some research has found that hope mediates or moderates the relationship between religion and various outcomes. Despite the research that has been done to understand connections between religion and hope, little research has explored these constructs together in a relational context. Method: Using thematic analysis and a team‐based approach, we completed an analysis of in‐depth interviews with a large, culturally and religiously diverse strengths‐based sample of 198 highly religious families. Results: Two themes relating to the religious antecedents of hope were identified (religious beliefs and religious practices) as well as two themes that address the application or outcomes of hope (hope in family life and the experience of religious hopes). Several subthemes were also identified and are discussed and illustrated. Conclusions: For some families, religious beliefs and specific religious practices play an important role in fostering hope, and this hope was reported to enhance various elements of individual and family life. Implications: Results provide support for integrating religion and hope into various individual and relational therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical research suggests that married women may more commonly experience spousal pornography use as a relational attachment threat and are more likely to experience negative relational outcomes such as distress and loss of trust. The purpose of this study was to develop a grounded theory of married women's response to the discovery or disclosure of spousal pornography use. This study included the experiences of 30 married women who reported spousal pornography use as a threat to relational attachment, who chose to remain with their spouse, and who reported evidence of individual and relational healing thereafter. The research question, "How do married women describe the experience of learning of their spouse's pornography use and the individual and relationship sequelae that follow?" was explored using grounded theory methods to analyze deidentified blogpost accounts emphasizing response to a spouse's pornography use. The results describe a process model highlighting three interrelated informant categories—emotional response, mental response, and physical response—and one resultant category—behavioral response. Implications include (a) the importance of open communication regarding pornography use within relationships, (b) the necessity for individual and relational healing following betrayal trauma, and (c) the role of therapeutic intervention in shaping adaptive healing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable social science research has illuminated religion's profound and predominantly positive impact on individuals and families. Nevertheless, numerous noteworthy aspects of religion, including repentance, have not been explored in-depth from a social science perspective to understand their psychological and relational processes and implications. Further, the emphasis and importance of repentance across the Abrahamic faiths, combined with calls from social scientists to better understand processes of repentance and seeking divine forgiveness, indicate the benefit of repentance-focused research. Subsequently, we used team-based systematic qualitative coding to conduct secondary analyses of repentance processes in interviews with 127 exemplar US Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families (N = 218). Analyses explored the: (a) motivations and antecedents of repentance, (b) processes of repentance, (c) resources to aid in repentance, and (d) perceived outcomes of repentance. Additionally, some participants described repentance as negative, neutral, or ineffective. The article discusses psychological and relational benefits of repentance in religious families despite some potentially adverse consequences, highlights implications for practitioners and interventions that incorporate repentance, and suggests topics for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gratitude has been extensively studied over the past two decades. Among several predictors, aspects of religiosity and spirituality have been consistent predictors of gratitude. To explore the religious motivations and processes that foster the practice of gratitude, we undertook a systematic thematic analysis using interview data from a national qualitative project of 198 highly religious families. Participants (n = 476) included mothers, fathers, and children from various socioeconomic backgrounds and from diverse religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds in the United States of America. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the participants' homes. Data for this study were analyzed using a team-based approach to qualitative analysis. The findings were organized thematically, including: (a) aspects of gratitude, (b) expressions of gratitude, and (c) the influence of gratitude. Two aspects of gratitude were identified: functional—what people were grateful for—and directional—to whom they were grateful. Expressions of gratitude involved participation in regular, gratitude-focused prayers and mutual day-to-day appreciation. The relational context and implications and context of gratitude in religious families were further examined and reported with sub-themes: (a) gratitude prompted positive re-evaluation of relationships and (b) gratitude reinforced religious faith. Implications, strengths, limitations, and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although religious intolerance and marginalization still exist today, research suggests that perhaps one of the most marginalized groups is those who report no religion. Through interviews with 31 nonreligious couples (N = 62 individuals), we investigated what nonreligious parents want religious people to understand about them and their families. Using a team-based approach to qualitative data analysis, we identified three themes related to what our participants wanted religious people to know: (1) we are good people, good parents, and not that different from you; (2) religion does not equate with morality; and (3) do not judge beliefs, actions are what matter. We identified an additional theme regarding how they would like to convey these and other matters to religious people, that we termed as (4) I do/do not want to talk about religion and here is why. Implications include suggestions and recommendations to increase understanding, tolerance, and respect between religious and nonreligious individuals, family members, and groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three hypotheses with the potential to provide information on the role of religiosity as a promotive and protective factor in early adolescence were tested. Adolescents (N = 166, M age = 13 years, 49% female, 49% European American, 45% African American) and mothers reported their own personal importance of religion and the frequency of their attendance of religious services. Greater mother importance and attendance was associated with greater adolescent importance and attendance. Mother importance was indirectly linked to adolescent antisocial behavior through adolescent importance. Less adolescent importance and attendance were associated with low self-control and low self-control was associated with more antisocial and rule-breaking behavior. Adolescent importance also moderated the links between low self-control and antisocial and rule-breaking behavior such that low levels of self-control were more strongly associated with more antisocial and rule-breaking behavior among adolescents reporting low religious importance compared to adolescents reporting high religious importance. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)

Employing qualitative interviews with a diverse national sample of 184 religious families (N = 445 individuals), we present an in-depth look at how participants (a) view and frame their faith-based financial giving, (b) how they contribute to and receive from their faith communities, and (c) how the blending of faith and finances influences their marital and parental relationships.

Thirty African American married couples (N = 60 individuals) were interviewed regarding the challenges and benefits of their happy, enduring marriages. Qualitative coding and analysis revealed 4 key themes: (1) Challenges in African American Marriages, (2) Overcoming External Challenges to Marriage, (3) Resolving Intramarital Conflict, and (4) Unity and the Importance of Being "Equally Yoked." Supporting qualitative data are presented in connection with each theme. Implications for enduring marriages among African Americans specifically are discussed.

This paper commences with candid warnings about the difficulties of publishing and funding qualitative research along with a brief discussion regarding why these difficulties persist. The paper then provides a methodological tour of the qualitative portion of the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS), a mixed-method study of psychological health, coping, and adjustment during the immediate and longer term aftermath of the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Next, I provide a proven, pragmatic guide to navigate through a qualitative research project from development to completion. A guide for doing solo qualitative ('monk/nun in a cell') work is provided (Table 1) but the article focuses on the Four-Phase, Team-Based (or 'Quad-Squad') Method. This method, originally designed for solo researchers, has been adapted for team-based application (including the extensive utilization of undergraduate and graduate students). The method is presented as a pragmatic and productive approach to publishing more valid, reliable, and rigorous qualitative research., Author(s): Loren D. Marks [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA This paper provides a methodological tour of the qualitative portion of the [...]

Looking for potentially positive outcomes is one way that people cope with stressful events. In two studies, we examined perceived 'silver linings' after the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita among indirectly affected adults. In Study 1, middle-aged (ages 47-64 years), older (ages 65-89 years), and oldest-old (ages 90-95 years) adults in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS) responded to an open-ended question on perceived silver linings in a longitudinal assessment carried out during the immediate impact (1 to 4 months after landfall) and post-disaster recovery phase (6 to 14 months post-storm). Qualitative grounded theory methods were employed to analyze these narrative data. Team-based coding yielded three core themes: (1) learning experience and better preparedness for future disasters, (2) having improved cities (Baton Rouge and New Orleans), and (3) an increase in 'Good Samaritan' acts such as strangers helping one another. Responses were similar across age groups, although older adults were the least likely to report positive outcomes. Study 2 was a conceptual replication using a different sample of adults (ages 31 to 82 years) tested at least 5 years after the storms. A learning experience and preparedness core theme replicated Study 1's findings while improved social cohesion amongst family and friends emerged as a new core theme in Study 2. These data indicate that identifying lessons learned and potentially positive outcomes are psychological reactions that may facilitate post-disaster coping and foster resilience for indirectly affected adults in the years after disaster., Author(s): Katie E. Stanko [sup.1] , Katie E. Cherry [sup.1] , Kyle S. Ryker [sup.1] , Farra Mughal [sup.1] , Loren D. Marks [sup.2] , Jennifer Silva Brown [sup.1] , [...]

The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill is recognized as the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history. In this article, we examine the impact of the BP oil spill on directly affected commercial fishers and indirectly affected residents of the greater New Orleans metropolitan area. A sample of 148 participants responded to an open-ended question on the impact of the oil spill on self, family, and their community at least 12 months after the oil spill began. Content analysis of their narrative text yielded four emergent themes which we present here: 1) Economic Impact on the Seafood Industry and Local Businesses; 2) Commercial Fishers' Financial Future; 3) BP's Response: 'Making it Right' or Making it Worse?; and 4) Lingering Worries and Fears: Threats to Fishers' Health and Lifestyle. Implications of these findings for individuals and families exposed to a decade of natural and technological disasters are considered., Author(s): Katie E. Cherry [sup.1] , Bethany A. Lyon [sup.1] , Loren D. Marks [sup.2] , Pam F. Nezat [sup.1] , Rachel Adamek [sup.1] , S. Devon Walsh [sup.1] , [...]

Objective and Background: We used qualitative methodology to explore forgiveness motivations and processes in an ethnically, economically, and geographically diverse sample of 198 highly religious Christian, Muslim, and Jewish families in the United States (N = 480). Prior research has identified several significant relational implications and outcomes of forgiveness. However, there is a need for additional research on forgiveness processes and motivations among highly religious families. Method: Families were interviewed jointly through a semistructured interview protocol. Analysis was conducted using thematic and team‐based coding procedures. Results: Core themes included (a) "Why forgive?": Relational, religious, and spiritual motivations; (b) "What enables state forgiveness?": Relational, religious, and spiritual processes; and (c) The role and development of trait forgiveness (forgivingness). Conclusion: Findings highlight the relational, religious, and spiritual motivations and processes present in forgiveness and the role religious/spiritual beliefs and practices play in those processes. Additionally, findings illustrate participants' value of the virtue of forgivingness and reported religious and relational processes that helped in developing the trait of forgivingness. Implications: We offer several questions that can be used as a starting point for practitioners to work within the worldview of religious clients to empower individuals, couples, and families to forgive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the COVID-19 shutdowns, we explored associations between family dinner and family well-being among 731 adult parents in the United States who currently had at least one child residing in their home. The panel survey was administered during the summer of 2020 (June 18 through July 22). Participants were asked to respond to questions about relational processes before the COVID-19 shutdowns, at the height of the shutdowns, and currently (i.e., at the time of data collection). Results suggest that maintaining regular family meals or increasing the frequency of these meals was associated with increased closeness and more positive perceptions of the impact of the pandemic. Participants' qualitative responses to several open-ended questions are used to provide additional insights and nuance to the quantitative findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we explored communication processes within families through both qualitative and quantitative means. A panel survey of 1,510 adults (1,059 parents) in the United States was administered during the summer of 2020 (June 18–July 22). Summary quantitative data are presented. Nearly half (N = 624) also chose to respond to five, open-ended, qualitative questions. From these data, diverse influences of COVID-19 on family communication were qualitatively reported, identified, coded, and analyzed. Four related themes are presented related to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on family communication: (1) negative influences, (2) neutral influences, (3) positive influences, and (4) dualistic (negative and positive) influences. About 50 verbatim excerpts from the qualitative data are shared, along with implications and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored associations between changes in the frequency of home-centered religious practices and family relational conflict, emotional closeness, and the perceived long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationships. The panel survey of 1,510 adult individuals in the United States, was administered during the summer of 2020. Given our interest in understanding changes in religious practices following the COVID-19 related closures of religious institutions, the panel included an intentional oversampling of religious individuals from diverse religious affiliations. We employed a mixed methods approach (integrated quantitative and qualitative measures). Controlling for a large group of demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity) and other factors (e.g., religiosity, stage of COVID-19 closures), OLS and logistic regressions found some significant associations between retrospectively reported changes in the frequency of religious practices and emotional closeness and perceived lasting impact of the pandemic on family well-being. Qualitative data from a subsample of survey participants (n = 624) suggested that family prayer, scripture study, shared sacred rituals, and home-based worship helped foster positive family interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given disruptions to families' routines and processes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article explores associations between changes in the frequency of spiritual practices and relational well-being during COVID-19. Using a survey of 1,510 adults in the United States administered during the summer of 2020, we employed a mixed methods approach. Significant associations were found between the frequency of engaging in spiritual practices and relational well-being. Specifically, engaging in spiritual practices was associated with increased emotional closeness and a greater likelihood of reporting a positive lasting effect of the pandemic on family relationships. Our findings suggest that some families and individuals may find that engaging in individual or group spiritual practices, including yoga and meditation, mindfulness, and enjoying nature, fostered resilience and growth during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social science and religious studies scholars should endeavor to broaden theories, methods, and samples to be more inclusive. Therefore, we have conducted an "equity audit" of the American Families of Faith (AFF) project. We evaluated the diversity, equity, and inclusion of the AFF project's (a) research team, (b) products, and (c) samples. We then discuss the reasoning behind the decisions that resulted in the existing strengths and limitations of the project, the fruits of this and previous evaluations (including a presentation of some narrative accounts from parents and youths across several religious-ethnic communities across the US), opportunities for growth, and future directions for the AFF project and conclude with some thoughts on what other researchers might gain from this audit. Previous reviews have found a lack of diversity among scholars and samples in the field of psychology. Much needs to be done to create truly representative science. We subsequently conducted a diversity, equity, and inclusion audit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article is to share our perspectives on the key influences of lifespan religious and spiritual development as scholars from across the lifespan (i.e., the four authors are from different generations, including Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z). Our perspectives are heavily influenced by our combined 60+ years of research experience in examining the connections between religion and family life. Our discussion is organized around Bronfenbrenner's bioecological framework and the process-person-context-time model. Within this framework, the key factors we discuss that influence religious/spiritual development include (a) process (i.e., person-religion mismatch and family processes), (b) person (i.e., age, gender/sexual orientation, mental health, personal agency, and experience), (c) context (i.e., home environment, culture, and community), and (d) time (i.e., historical events and the duration of proximal processes). Where possible, we highlight underrepresented religious and ethnic groups. The key domains that we discuss that are influenced by religious/spiritual development include individual and relational outcomes. Finally, we suggest meaningful directions for future research. Given the significant contemporary dynamism in spiritual and religious identity and involvement, in this article, we discuss research and theory that can inform and assist scholars, religious leaders, parents, as well as youth and emerging adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of beliefs across religions regarding repentance and divine forgiveness and their recognition in theoretical and religious studies, these constructs are relatively understudied phenomena in the social sciences. Furthermore, in recent years, multiple scholars have argued for the need for research to systematically study and highlight the experience and processes of repentance and divine forgiveness. Subsequently, this study explored processes of repentance, antecedents and motivations of repentance, resources to aid in repentance, and outcomes of repentance that should be further examined. This analysis was done using in-depth qualitative interviews with 15 emerging adult religious exemplars identifying with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The authors used NVivo 12 and team-based qualitative coding processes to identify themes. Repentance processes included personal change, took various lengths of time, were a part of participants' religious identity, were recurrent processes, and were influenced by participants' view of God. Antecedents and motivations included religious practices and rituals, emotions, interpersonal interactions, and their relationship with God. Resources that aided in repentance included religious practices and rituals, interpersonal relationships, and a relationship with God. Finally, participants reported experiencing personal changes in their behavior and character, positive emotions (including feelings of divine forgiveness), improved interpersonal relationships, and a better relationship with God. These processes align with some previously discovered and theorized findings on repentance, contribute a number of novel findings, and offer future direction regarding the motivations, resources, and transformative experiences that participants reported in their personal repentance and experience of forgiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rising number of interfaith relationships, few empirical studies have explored the strengths of interfaith couples living in the United States who are striving to integrate separate religious beliefs. This study examined the strengths of interfaith marriages by conducting a qualitative analysis of 32 religiously diverse interfaith couples' (N = 63 participants) reports of strengths that resulted from their relationships. We found five core themes that couples identified as strengths of being in an interfaith relationship: (a) increased acceptance and tolerance, (b) opportunities for exploration, learning, and discovery, (c) an increased ability to find and build upon similarities, (d) more traditions and practices, and (e) strengthened personal faith. The authors promote a balanced awareness of both strengths and vulnerabilities that recur in interfaith families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from interviews with 198 highly religious Muslim, Christian, or Jewish families in the U.S., we investigated how religion informs sexual relationships, sexual practices, and sexual beliefs in family life. Guided by Marks' method (2015), a team-based coding approach, participants' comments about sexuality and sexual relationships were coded and organized into four themes that illuminated how religion and sexuality intersect among highly religious couples and families. Themes included (a) boundaries and rules around sex, (b) purpose of sex, (c) navigating culture and media, and (d) concerns regarding children. Implications for practitioners are discussed including understanding the most common ways sex and religion intersect in highly religious families, and the importance of asking clients to what degree their faith influences their sexual relationships, practices, and beliefs. Highly religious families spoke about sexuality in five main ways: managing boundaries and rules around sex, purpose of sex, navigating culture and media, and concerns regarding children. When working with religious clients, clinicians can ask and understand, recognize religious dualities, and harness religious strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the connection between religion and mental health of 131 rural, low-income mothers. Two dimensions of religion, beliefs and faith community involvement, were included and depression was assessed by the CES-D. The sample consisted of mothers who participated in Wave 2 of a multi-state research project. As hypothesized, both religious beliefs and faith community involvement were negatively related to depressive symptoms indicating that mothers with stronger religious beliefs and more involvement in religious activities may experience less depressive symptoms. The results of the current study confirm previous work and support a multifaceted view of religion. KEYWORDS. Faith community involvement, low-income, maternal depression, religious beliefs

Following a report of a 15-fold increase in published qualitative studies catalogued in PsycNET between 1995 and 2016, researchers engaged in a closer examination of changes in published qualitative research. Four questions are addressed: (1) Can the reported 15-fold increase of published qualitative studies indexed in a psychology database be replicated using a similar database? (2) If the increase in qualitative articles is adapted from the raw number to the relative number of qualitative publications compared to non-qualitative (e.g., quantitative, review articles) publications, does the 15-fold rate of change hold, increase, or decrease? (3) Are there specific domains that have contributed disproportionately to the increase in qualitative articles? and (4) As the proliferation of published qualitative research is examined, what portion of qualitative work is published in moderate- to high-impact journals compared to low-quality or non-indexed journals? Each of these questions are systematically addressed using PsycINFO. Results suggest that while the 15-fold increase in raw numbers is replicable, the relative increase of qualitative articles is a more modest sixfold increase. Further, much of the increase in qualitative articles appears to stem from journals related to healthcare. Finally, results suggest that the increase in quantity may be associated with a slight decline of the quality of research being published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 1995–2016, there has been a 15-fold increase in qualitative scholarship in the social sciences, but the rigor and quality of published work has ranged widely. Little scholarship provides concrete, pragmatic explanations of (and directions regarding) the execution of systematic, high-rigor qualitative analysis. The present article guides the developing qualitative researcher through technical and procedural aspects of analyzing qualitative data with specific attention to reliability and rigor. Guidance addressing transcription, importing data, forming coding pairs, performing initial/open coding (examples of three types), determining core themes, systematic team-based coding, maintaining a data audit trail, creating a Numeric Content Analysis (NCA) table, and preparing work for publication is provided. Materials include several tables and figures that offer practical demonstrations on how to use Nvivo in data analysis. Transcription tips and outsourcing benefits and cautions are also offered. Altogether, the present article provides qualitative researchers practical guidance for executing multiple stages of qualitative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study used in‐depth interviews with Black and African American couples in happy, long‐term marriages to capture advice that can serve to convey the hurdles and expectations of marriage in the African American community. Background: The U.S. Census Bureau reports that only 29% of African Americans are married. However, the majority of African Americans still desire marriage themselves. Therefore, the advice and experiences of enduring African American couples could be beneficial to those younger couples hoping to one day marry. Method: Interviews and a semistructured interview protocol were used to gather data on marital experiences and counsel from 35 happily married African American couples. Data were analyzed using qualitative methods consistent with Marks (2015) Numeric Content Analysis. Results: Three emergent themes related to forming and strengthening African American marriages are discussed: (a) Communication Keeps Small Issues From Becoming Big Barriers; (b) Share Roles, Share Responsibilities; and (c) Manage Your Money to Manage Your Marriage. Conclusion: Key aspects of strong African American marriages include the ability to maintain open lines of communication, to adjust spousal roles with emerging stressors, and to agree on the management of income and assets. Implications: This study informs young African American couples, family life educators, and marriage therapists on the common experiences and perspectives in long‐lasting African American marriages. Using this information, young African Americans and those engaging African Americans can work to build stronger families and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this article is to qualitatively explore how religion can be a catalyst or support for positive, spontaneous transformations in families and the timing of these transformations. Background: There is a paucity of empirical literature that discusses how positive change or transformation occurs within families independent of professional intervention. Research has shown that religion can have many positive influences on family relationships, but more research is needed that explores religion and religiosity as a transformative agent in familial relationships. Method: Using interviews from 198 racially diverse, marriage‐based families (N = 476 participants) from Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam), we employed a team‐based methodology to code and analyze accounts of positive relational transformation. Results: Two themes relating to the timing of transformation, gradual and sudden, along with supports and catalysts for these transformations were identified from qualitative data analysis. These themes are presented with supportive illustrations. Conclusion: For some families, religious experiences did reportedly help inspire and transform their marriages and family relationships. Implications: This study suggests that religion can lead to positive transformation in families, and thus religion may be an effective tool families, religious leaders, and therapists can use to improve and transform family relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]