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Journal Article
Contact between children and divorced fathers is often believed to strengthen the negative effect of interparental postdivorce conflict on children's well-being. Although this is a well-known hypothesis, there is surprisingly little evidence for it. This article examines the hypothesis using large-scale nationally representative data on secondary school students in the Netherlands. The hypothesis is tested using interactions of conflict with postdivorce contact and interactions of conflict with co-parenting. We find that children of divorced parents have more depressive symptoms than children…
One of the first steps to fighting cancer is to understand that you are not alone. Many couples successfully cope with cancer together and allow their relationship to thrive. Life happens despite cancer; there is no "pause" button. However, by being prepared and proactive, cancer can actually bring a couple together as a team, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis. The following tips offer ways that couples can work together to battle the impact of cancer and maintain a healthy relationship. (Author abstract modified)
The Internet, along with mobile phones, has come to play a part in communications within intimate partner relationships. This Fact Sheet examines the use of online and mobile technology by teens and adults and how that technology is influencing how they communicate and interact with their romantic partners. It includes data on how many people are using the Internet to meet and find partners but also how the Internet and mobile technology can contribute to strains on relationships. (Author abstract)
A cancer diagnosis is a game changer on many levels for a couple. It affects not only the diagnosed partner but also the well partner as it has financial, family, and medical implications. Cancer often becomes a daily conversation and can have the potential to damage a couple's relationship. Life happens despite cancer; there is no "pause" button. By being prepared and proactive, the experience of cancer can actually bring a couple together as a team, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis. This Tip Sheet for marriage and relationship education (MRE) practitioners offers ways to encourage…
Substance abuse affects millions of families either directly or indirectly, and the abuse of both legal and illegal substances is a prominent concern for public health officials throughout the world. Many addicts who stop using point to the strength, persistence, and understanding they received from a spouse, family member or friend as a major reason for their recovery. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to offer hope and practical suggestions for you as your partner is struggling with addiction. It is not meant to replace therapy or counseling. Like most other suggestions, keep in mind that…
Family priorities often must come second to military orders. When one spouse returns from deployment and begins the homecoming process, the couple may feel as if they are on an emotional rollercoaster. They may experience intense anticipation, anxiety, restlessness, impatience, and excitement. It is also typical to feel resentment, disappointment, frustration, and grief over losses of freedom or independence. It may take the couple several months to find a healthy balance in their relationship again after the deployment. Furthermore, it is common for military couples to deal with Post-…
Welcome home from your military deployment! For the next few months, you may feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster, full of both excitement and anxiety. You may also experience feelings of resentment, disappointment, and frustration. Don't worry--this emotional cycle is normal. The most important thing to keep in mind is that getting back into a positive routine with your spouse will take time. Things won't be like they were before the deployment--you both have grown and changed as a result of this challenge--but you can be an even stronger couple.After a deployment, it is common…
Extra-marital affairs don't "just happen." Engaging in an affair can have devastating consequences that affect your life forever. There are clear steps and choices that lead into an affair. By following the tips provided here you can "affair proof" your marriage and prevent infidelity before it begins. (Author abstract modified)
When one person in a couple is affected by a chronic illness, the other person lives with it as well--chronic illness is a family affair. The challenge lies in finding ways to address the illness as a team so that neither of you feels as if you are alone. Here are some tips to help you strengthen your teamwork. (Author abstract)
Successfully rebuilding trust after an extra-marital affair is possible but it can be difficult, lengthy and overwhelming. An affair can have a devastating effect on marriage and can be an agonizing crisis for a couple. Responses to the discovery or revelation of an affair range from sadness, shock, despair to anger, rage and confusion. It is important to understand that rebuilding after an affair is a process which includes six distinct stages. The stages include denial, shock, anger, rage and then finally acceptance and forgiveness.Making the decision to stay together and remain in the…
