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This document consists of the three 1999 issues of a journal reporting new research in early child development conducted by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Articles in the Winter 1999 issue focus on the transition to kindergarten and first grade, including adjustment issues; educational practices reflecting training on transition; school readiness; readiness to teach; rights and responsibilities of schools and families; classroom practices; social stratification; fragile X syndrome children; and children with disabilities. The Spring 1999 issue focuses on family-centered research and practices, and includes articles on the intentionality of infants, cultural diversity, marital disagreements and infant interaction, and increasing family involvement in early education and intervention programs. The Fall 1999 issue deals with the relationship between research and practice and includes articles on the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study, changes in training for early childhood professionals, the development of new assessment tools, and public policy changes. Each issue also lists recent publications by researchers at the Frank Porter Graham Development Center. (KB)

Finding a qualified marriage and family therapist that the couple or family will be comfortable with requires some effort on the part of the consumer. There are many people out there who advertise themselves as marriage counselors or family therapists but do not have the credentials. The client must shop around, interview prospective therapists, and evaluate qualifications, services, and approaches, or seek a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For the most satisfying and effective outcome, the couple or family should seek professional assistance before the pain and dysfunction become so great that the motivation to change is lost. All families go through trials and tribulations. Some are developmental and may recede if the family system maintains its integrity during difficult times. But rather than hoping the problems will go away, the couple or family will benefit from dealing with it when it first occurs. Often, this will require the assistance of a trained therapist. (The addresses of these organizations which can provide referrals for therapists are included: the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists; and the National Council on Family Relations.) (CM)

Intended to help speech communication professionals become involved in developing, implementing, and evaluating marital or family enrichment programs, this booklet discusses the theory and practice of using marital enrichment programs to increase family harmony. The first section contains an overview of selected enrichment programs, as well as discussion on program effectiveness, communication-related skills, and program leadership. The second section (1) focuses on planning strategies, gaining exposure, creating instructional designs, planning for evaluation/feedback, and the mechanics of the workshop; and (2) includes relational exercises, and sample workshop schedules. The booklet concludes by focusing on the unique opportunities available for speech communication professionals through directing marriage and family enrichment programs. (EL)

The article presents the discussion on reciprocal relationship between addiction and relationship problems, emphasizing the benefits of couples therapy in treating substance misuse. Topics include integration of relationship-focused approaches in addiction treatment, the impact of addiction on family dynamics, and strategies for fostering open communication and vulnerability between partners affected by addiction.

It is estimated that between 2.1 percent and 8.3 percent of Catholic couples remain biologically childless after exhausting all morally upright approaches for assisting reproduction. This represents a significant group within the Church earnestly seeking to live a fruitful married life in the absence of conceiving children. This essay seeks to provide a theologically and pastorally enriching exploration of marital fruitfulness for sterile Catholic couples in two ways: first, by demonstrating how the meanings of human fruitfulness and sterility have been definitively transformed by Christ and second, by exploring some of the ways sterile Christian marriages are abundantly fruitful. The insights of twentieth-century theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar are drawn upon and shaped for this purpose. The essay concludes by highlighting ways that sterile Christian couples can be supported to come to a better understanding of the abundant fruitfulness of their marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses love's enhancement of brain and heart health. Topics covered include the benefits of reduced stress and blood pressure that come from being in love, and the lowest blood pressure readings among happily married men and women. Also noted is the body's release of feel-good chemicals that positively affect the brain and deactivate negative emotions when people fall in love.

A study conducted by investigators at Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu, China, focused on the emotional needs in marriage and love of female college students in China. The research found that parental marital conflict negatively predicts emotional needs in marriage and love, with basic psychological need satisfaction mediating this relationship. Additionally, feminist identity was found to moderate the relationship, indicating that female college students with a high level of feminist identity can maintain higher emotional needs despite perceiving more parental marital conflicts. This peer-reviewed study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing emotional needs in marriage and love among female college students in China. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences conducted a study on the relationship between emotional divorce and marital satisfaction, focusing on the moderating effect of gender roles. The study involved 539 women aged 18-65 years and used various questionnaires to analyze the data. The results indicated that gender roles play a significant role in marital satisfaction and emotional divorce, with a more balanced approach to traditional gender roles potentially improving marital satisfaction and reducing emotional divorce. The study was published in the Journal of Family and Reproductive Health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Colorado State University explores the impact of positive and negative relationship dynamics on psychological distress in couples. The research suggests that individuals vary in their sensitivity to environmental factors, with highly sensitive individuals experiencing greater distress from low positive and high negative relationship dynamics. This study, funded by the Jacobs Foundation and NIH, highlights the importance of tailored interventions to address the unique needs of couples. For more information, the research can be found in the Journal of Family Psychology. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at National Taiwan Normal University explored the relationship between humor styles and marital satisfaction among couples. The study identified five humor types among couples, with the highest marital satisfaction observed in couples who both use positive humor. Conversely, couples who do not use humor experienced lower levels of marital satisfaction. This research sheds light on the importance of humor in communication within relationships and its impact on overall satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Coimbra, Portugal explored the factors that influence maternal antenatal attachment, which is an important concept in the transition to parenthood. The study involved interviews with 407 pregnant women during their second trimester of pregnancy. The researchers found that factors such as emotional states (depression and anxiety), attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood, marital satisfaction, and age significantly contribute to maternal antenatal attachment. The study provides valuable insights into understanding and supporting maternal attachment during pregnancy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Catholic University of Korea examined the relationship between work-family strains and gains and marital satisfaction for fathers in Korea. The study used data from the Panel Study of Korean Children and found that work-family strains had a negative impact on marital satisfaction, while work-family gains had a positive impact. Parenting stress was found to partially mediate the relationship between work-family strains and marital satisfaction. The study aims to provide data for family support policies for fathers and to understand the current status of work-family balance in modern society. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea have conducted a study on neuroticism and its impact on marital satisfaction. The study proposes a "totality model" of couple neuroticism, suggesting that the higher the combined levels of neuroticism in both spouses, the lower the marital satisfaction. The researchers collected data from online surveys and found a strong negative association between cumulative neuroticism scores and marital satisfaction. The study concludes that considering the combined neuroticism levels of both spouses is crucial in predicting marital dissatisfaction. This research has been peer-reviewed and offers a more parsimonious method for predicting marital satisfaction compared to more complex models. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Beijing Normal University explores the impact of attachment styles on marital satisfaction among Chinese couples. The research suggests that insecure attachment styles can negatively affect marital satisfaction, particularly for individuals high in attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. However, the study also highlights that Chinese culture may be more tolerant of certain aspects of attachment avoidance, leading to different implications for marital relationships. The study emphasizes the importance of perceived partner responsiveness in understanding the interaction of intimate relationships. The research is based on data from 668 Chinese couples across six marital stages, with an average length of marriage of 15.22 years. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Singapore University of Social Sciences explores the consequences of spousal infidelity on long-term chronic health. The study, which used longitudinal data from 2,579 adults in the United States, found that infidelity was linked to poorer chronic health. The negative impact of infidelity on chronic health was found to be larger among low-income individuals and ethnic minorities. The research highlights the need for interventions to mitigate the long-term health implications of partner infidelity. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Islamic Azad University in Isfahan, Iran conducted a study on marital satisfaction among couples in the second decade of life. The study aimed to investigate the structural equation of marital satisfaction based on personality traits and attachment styles, with a focus on the mediating role of self-compassion. The research involved 384 couples and utilized various questionnaires to collect data. The results indicated that self-compassion, favorable personality traits, and secure attachment styles can positively impact marital satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of these factors in maintaining a satisfying marital relationship. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Islamic Azad University in Iran explores the relationship between attachment behaviors and marital satisfaction among married women, with a focus on the mediating role of online surveillance. The study found that attachment behaviors have a direct effect on online marital supervision and marital satisfaction, and that online surveillance plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between attachment behaviors and marital satisfaction. The research suggests that attachment behaviors through online surveillance can impact the marital satisfaction of married women. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Southern Methodist University explores the relationship between marital stressors and inflammatory responses. While previous research has focused on marital conflict as a trigger for inflammation, this study examines the inflammatory aftermath of other types of marital exchanges, specifically a spouse's emotional distress. The study found that proinflammatory gene expression and negative mood were significantly higher after a partner's upsetting disclosure compared to marital conflict. These findings suggest that spousal distress may be a novel mechanism linking marriage to inflammation-related diseases. [Extracted from the article]

For those of reproductive age, the decision to marry in the Catholic Church is one that expresses the desire for a fruitful married life. The teachings of the Catholic Magisterium provide a substantial and constructive dialogue about marital fruitfulness as it relates to the bearing and raising of children but a more adequate theological and pastoral response is needed for Catholic couples who remain childless after exhausting morally upright medical procedures for assisting reproduction. This commentary provides a critical appraisal of the documents of the Magisterium dating from the 1917 Pio-Benedictine Code of Canon Law through to the present. The appraisal traces the development of the Magisterium's teaching on sterility and marital fruitfulness by examining these documents chronologically in three periods: 1917 to 1965, 1966 to 2008 and 2009 to the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ariel University in Israel has conducted research on the factors associated with contemporary fatherhood. The study focused on intensive parenting, which refers to parents' overinvolvement in their children's lives. While intensive parenting is often attributed to mothers, the study aimed to understand whether factors associated with intensive mothering also apply to intensive fatherhood. The research found that fathers who reported having children with more difficult temperaments, low social support, low marital satisfaction, and low self-efficacy were more likely to exhibit intensive parenting styles. The findings have important implications for professionals working with families to promote the well-being of parents and children. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur explores the role of perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) in marital and life satisfaction in Northeast India. The research, which focuses on 152 couples, highlights the importance of PPR in establishing well-being within marital relationships. The study utilizes the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model extended to Mediation (APIMeM) to analyze the mediating role of PPR and emphasizes the need to prioritize PPR in relationship interventions. The findings suggest that tailored strategies should guide couples in aligning their life and marital satisfaction goals to enhance individual well-being. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Brigham Young University have conducted a study on the benefits of mindfulness training in the context of romantic relationships. The study found that mindfulness practiced by committed partners can lead to greater empathy, perspective taking, and overall marital satisfaction. The researchers compared heterosexual couples in a mindfulness-only intervention group to couples in a sexual-mindfulness intervention group and found that both groups showed positive results. The sexual-mindfulness group showed higher sexual awareness than the mindfulness-only group. The study suggests that incorporating sexual mindfulness into relationship education programs may be beneficial. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Islamic Azad University aimed to examine the effectiveness of communication and marital (sexual) skills in improving marital functioning and satisfaction and reducing marital conflicts among Iranian couples. The researchers reviewed 20 relevant studies from 2006 to 2021 and found that interventions based on communication skills training and marital (sexual) skills training were effective in improving marital satisfaction, sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and reducing marital conflicts. However, the reviewed studies also had limitations that were discussed in the article. For more information, readers can refer to the Journal of Education and Health Promotion. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Iran University of Medical Sciences aimed to assess the effect of expressive writing on the sexual and marital satisfaction of women with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study involved 104 married women aged 18-45 years with MS, and the intervention group engaged in expressive writing at home at least once a week for four weeks. The results showed that expressive writing significantly increased sexual satisfaction scores and marital satisfaction in women with MS. This research suggests that expressive writing may improve the quality of life for women with MS in terms of their sexual and marital relationships. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Baylor University examined the relationship between combat exposure, work stressors, unit cohesion, and marital satisfaction among married soldiers. The study found that combat exposure can negatively impact marital satisfaction through work performance stress, and that the effect varies depending on the level of unit cohesion. Soldiers with higher levels of unit cohesion experienced a buffering effect, where the association between combat exposure and work performance stress was no longer statistically significant. However, for soldiers with higher levels of unit cohesion, the negative association between work performance stress and marital satisfaction was exacerbated. The study highlights the importance of understanding the contextual nature of relational resources within the stress process framework. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Kharazmi University in Tehran, Iran discusses the impact of motivational interviewing on the marital satisfaction and self-efficacy of mothers with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design and found that motivational interviewing significantly improved the overall scores of marital satisfaction and self-efficacy among these mothers. The research suggests that motivational interviewing can have a positive effect on enhancing the well-being of mothers with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. For more information, readers can refer to the publication by Dr. Mahmoud Mansour. [Extracted from the article]

But therapists expect to be paid well, and not enough clients are willing to spend $200 an hour to do this kind of counseling when a religious organization might offer it for free." Why look under rocks if you might find snakes?" Doherty isn't implying that therapists who do premarital counseling can't be helpful. Even without that added f lair, Hammerslough believes there will always be a place for therapists in premarital counseling - or whatever people decide to call it. Let There Be … Counseling Today, 90 years after Detroit's Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development created the first ever "marriage preparation program", premarital counseling has never been bigger. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the link between generosity and well-being. It highlights the biblical teachings on generosity and emphasizes the importance of following in God's pattern of generosity. The article also mentions the cultural references to generosity throughout history, such as Aristotle's view on generosity as a virtue. It further explores the personal benefits of generosity, including improved mental and physical health. The article concludes by emphasizing the biblical understanding of generosity and the principle of sowing generously in all aspects of life. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the topic of conflict in relationships and its impact on marital satisfaction. It suggests that couples who argue together are more likely to have a healthy marriage. The article includes personal stories from two women who discuss their experiences with conflict in their relationships and how they have learned to communicate and resolve issues. It also provides tips from a therapist on how to improve relationship dynamics and manage conflict effectively. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin in Poland has developed a Polish adaptation of the Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS), a self-report measure used to assess the subjective quality of the relationship between parents. The study included 802 respondents and found that the Polish CRS is a valid and reliable measure of the coparenting relationship. The researchers also tested measurement invariance by gender and across cultural contexts, achieving at least scalar invariance. The study verified construct validity by correlating the CRS with other scales measuring marital satisfaction and parental distress. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has developed a Polish adaptation of the Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS), a self-report measure used to assess the subjective evaluation of the relationship between parents. The study included 802 respondents and found that the Polish CRS achieved satisfactory goodness-of-fit criteria when a method factor with reverse-worded items was included. The researchers also tested measurement invariance by gender and across cultural contexts, achieving at least scalar invariance. The study concluded that the Polish CRS is a valid and reliable measure of the coparenting relationship. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Orumiyeh, Iran, aims to investigate the impact of couple counseling based on the CHARMS model on the sexual quality of life and marital satisfaction of wives of men suffering from myocardial infarction (heart attack). Cardiovascular diseases have implications for health and psychological well-being, and they can affect not only the patients but also their spouses. The study will involve 100 couples who will be randomly allocated into control and intervention groups. Counseling sessions based on the CHARMS model will be held weekly for 60 minutes. The study aims to determine whether this counseling intervention can enhance sexual quality of life and marital satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran explored the relationship between sexual satisfaction, quality of life, marital conflicts, and methamphetamine addiction in men. The study found a significant positive correlation between sexual satisfaction and quality of life, suggesting that an increase in sexual satisfaction is associated with an enhancement in the quality of life. Conversely, the study found a significant negative correlation between sexual satisfaction and marital conflict, indicating that an increase in sexual satisfaction can potentially reduce marital conflicts. The findings support the idea that enhancing sexual satisfaction can improve one's quality of life and contribute to a reduction in marital conflicts. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Islamic Azad University in Tehran, Iran, aimed to develop a structural model that predicts marital satisfaction among young couples by examining the interplay between behavioral activation/inhibition systems and attachment styles. The study found that the inhibition system had a direct negative impact on marital satisfaction, while secure attachment had a direct positive effect. The activation system had a direct positive effect on secure attachment but a direct negative effect on avoidant attachment. The researchers concluded that therapists should consider these variables to enhance satisfaction levels in couples. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Sfax in Tunisia explores the relationship between engaging in physical activities, body self-esteem, sexual self-esteem, marital satisfaction, and psychological distress among adults. The study, which involved 443 participants, found significant connections between these variables. The results highlight the correlation between body self-esteem and psychological distress, the positive relationship between sexual satisfaction and positive sexual self-esteem, and the beneficial influence of physical activities on marital satisfaction. The study emphasizes the importance of considering body and sexual self-esteem, psychological distress, and physical activity in promoting balanced marital relationships. However, the researchers note that further longitudinal research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamics over time. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Babol, Iran aimed to determine a predictive model of marital satisfaction in breastfeeding primiparous women based on demographic information. The study included 160 primiparous breastfeeding women who completed a demographic information form and a marital satisfaction scale. The results showed that spouse's education, spouse's participation in housework, and age of marriage were associated with higher marital satisfaction. The study concluded that the predictive model obtained can be used to estimate the marital satisfaction of breastfeeding primiparous women. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Iran explored the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on the psychological health, quality of life, and marital satisfaction of infertile women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The study included 44 women who were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which participated in an 8-week MBSR program, or the control group, which received education on parenting styles. The results showed that MBSR significantly reduced psychological distress and improved quality of life and marital satisfaction in infertile women undergoing IVF. This research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of MBSR for this population. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Hormozgan in Iran examined the correlation between marital adjustment, marital satisfaction, and quality of life in women. The study found that positive personality traits, referred to as "light triad traits," played a significant role in predicting mental well-being and interpersonal relationships. The research concluded that partners with well-adjusted personality traits and compatible differences contribute to higher levels of satisfaction within a marriage. This study highlights the importance of considering personality traits and their alignment when examining satisfaction in relationships. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Xinjiang, China explored the impact of personality compatibility, couple communication, and sexual life on the psychological resilience and marital satisfaction of women with breast cancer. The study found that the level of psychological resilience and marital satisfaction among these women is low. Psychological resilience not only directly affects marital satisfaction but also indirectly influences marital quality through personality compatibility, couple communication, and sexual life. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should prioritize the psychological well-being and marital satisfaction of women with breast cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong examined the relationship between negative interactions and marital satisfaction in older and younger adults. The study found that older adults reported higher marital satisfaction than younger adults, even after negative interactions. The researchers also discovered that the valuation of negative affect played a moderating role in this relationship, with older husbands who valued negative affect experiencing a weaker negative association between negative interactions and marital satisfaction. The study highlights the importance of affect valuation in understanding age-related differences in marital dynamics. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the psychological effects of home organization, indicating clutter's correlation with stress, reduced marital satisfaction, and increased depression, reflecting widespread concern among Americans about home cleanliness and organization.

A study conducted by researchers at Islamic Azad University investigated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management training on marital commitment and communication beliefs in mothers with low marital satisfaction. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a control group and included 30 participants who were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The results showed that cognitive-behavioral stress management training had a significant positive effect on both marital commitment and communication beliefs. This research suggests that interventions focused on stress management can improve marital satisfaction for mothers experiencing low marital satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Islamic Azad University compared the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral couple therapy and Gottman couple therapy on marital satisfaction and problem-solving styles. The study involved 45 participants randomly assigned to either therapy group or a control group. The results showed that both therapies had a significant effect on marital satisfaction and problem-solving styles. However, there was a significant difference between the two interventions in problem-solving styles, but not in overall effectiveness. This research provides valuable insights into the field of evolutionary and educational psychology. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in Iran examined the impact of pornography use on sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy in married men. The study found that while sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy were lower in male pornography users compared to non-users, this difference was not statistically significant after accounting for demographic variables. The research concluded that the use of pornography does not appear to reduce sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy in men. This study provides insights into the effects of pornography use on marital life in Iranian men. [Extracted from the article]