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Guided by an intersectional feminism framework, we used three‐wave, dyadic survey data from a nationally representative sample of 1625 U.S. different‐gender newlywed couples to test three research questions. First, as balanced power is considered a key concept for relational well‐being in feminism, we examined developmental trajectories in husbands' and wives' perception of power (im)balance. Second, considering money as a major influence on power and aggression, we examined how financial behaviors relate to power (im)balance and in turn relational aggression—a type of intimate partner violence that is controlling and manipulative in nature. Third, informed by the intersectionality between gender and socioeconomic status (SES), we examined gender differences and SES disparities in the associations among financial behaviors, developmental trajectories of perception of power (im)balance, and relational aggression. Our findings demonstrate that newlywed different‐gender couples are experiencing power struggles, where two partners diminish each other's influence over time. We also found that healthy financial behaviors are associated with balanced power and, in turn, less relational aggression (especially for wives and in lower‐SES households). Taken collectively, we continue calling for efforts to facilitate money management skills and promote balanced marital power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We test whether perceived similarity of partners' financial values is associated with marital satisfaction and stability and whether financial communication mediates these associations. Background: Although many studies have found links between finances and marital satisfaction, marital stability has been understudied. Additionally, many studies have examined the impact of couple financial behaviors on marital outcomes but have failed to account for the role of financial values in shaping those behaviors. Couple and finances theory motivated the study and guided our hypotheses. Method: We used dyadic data from the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences project, a nationally representative sample of newlyweds (N = 1,700 different‐sex couples). We conducted an actor–partner interdependence model to test direct and indirect associations. Results: Partners who perceived similar financial values are better able to communicate with their spouse about money, which in turn predicts marital satisfaction and stability. We found both actor and partner associations and evidence of both full and partial mediation. Conclusion: Our results support previous research demonstrating the importance of shared financial values in understanding relationship outcomes. Additionally, financial communication is a mechanism linking these constructs. Implications: Our findings may inform interventions for increasing marital satisfaction and stability and for improving couple financial communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of emerging adults (N = 188; mean age = 22.58 years) at a large public university in the United States participated in survey research investigating the relationship of several religious variables to academic and psychosocial well-being. Analyses indicated that self-rated religiosity, frequency of attendance at religious services, frequency of prayer, and having a sense of mission or calling for one's life were all related to a better mood. At the same time, participants with higher grade point averages were more likely to report attending religious services more frequently and to agree that their lives unfolded according to a divine or greater plan. Finally, the analysis showed that: (1) participants who agreed that their lives unfold according to a divine or greater plan had lower anxiety scores, and (2) frequency of prayer was related to having goals or a more solid sense of direction for one's life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Although research has investigated financial planning for retirement, less is known about how adults plan their retirement activities. Even less is known about couples' congruence and incongruence in retirement activities planning. The authors examined husband and wife reports of retirement plans across a 5-year period that involved a U.S. economic recession. Method Using data from 335 midlife couples who participated in the Flourishing Families project, retirement plans were grouped into five categories—family, leisure, volunteer, work, and uncertain. We estimated probit dyadic structural equation models to explore longitudinal predictors of retirement plans. Results Results indicated mean differences in retirement plans between husbands and wives, and also across time that might have been influenced by surrounding economics. Wife poor health, number of children, both spouses working, and financial assets were linked with the likelihood of reporting certainty in retirement plans. Greater retirement uncertainty was predicted by lower marital quality, higher financial adjustments, lower education, and ethnic diversity. Conclusion Husband and wife reports of retirement plans are not always congruent, and plans in retirement can be affected by large scale changes in the U.S. economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]