Intimacy and Marriage in Adulthood

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Questions and Answers

What is a common result for couples who stay married for religious reasons?

Their relationships either remain troubled or grow stronger. (correct)

Their family dynamics improve significantly.

They always have a happy relationship.

They eventually separate due to differences.

What effect does the empty nest period typically have on marriages?

No significant change is observed.

Marriages become a source of conflict.

Marriages usually improve due to increased intimacy. (correct)

Marriages often deteriorate during this time.

What similarities exist between same-sex and different-sex couples?

Both experience the same rates of domestic abuse.

Both groups have unique relationship dynamics.

Both groups are equally likely to cohabit without marriage.

Both face challenges related to finances and communication. (correct)

What factor primarily influenced alcohol abuse in romantic couples according to the study?

Whether the couple is married or not. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for the well-being of children from same-sex couples?

Similar factors affecting children of different-sex couples. Signup and view all the answers

How does family income generally compare between same-sex and different-sex couples?

Same-sex couples often have less income on average. Signup and view all the answers

Which element was NOT mentioned as crucial for the well-being of children from same-sex couples?

Parental marital status. Signup and view all the answers

What commonly happens to the emotional well-being of couples during the empty nest phase?

Increases as they reconnect. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of parents with grown children had at least one child living less than 30 miles away?

75 percent Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about older generations living with younger ones?

Older generations require caregiving. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes adults who live with their parents for a while?

Boomerang children Signup and view all the answers

Why do many retirees choose to stay in states like Maine or Iowa instead of moving to warmer states?

They wish to be close to family. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor contributing to more young adults living with their parents today compared to 1980?

Increased housing costs Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'fictive kin'?

Non-relatives who become part of the family structure. Signup and view all the answers

What common focus is noted in studies about adult living arrangements among families?

Reciprocal living arrangements are on the rise. Signup and view all the answers

What can increase when adults share living spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms?

Opportunities for close friendships Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason children may influence adult decisions regarding marriage?

They may prompt couples to stay together for their sake. Signup and view all the answers

What trend is observed among cohabiters who have children together?

They are more likely to marry. Signup and view all the answers

How do older couples typically approach living arrangements in LAT relationships?

They prefer to maintain separate households. Signup and view all the answers

What financial pattern is often seen in LAT couples compared to married couples?

LAT couples struggle with financial independence. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sternberg suggest are the three aspects of romantic love?

Passion, intimacy, and commitment. Signup and view all the answers

What feeling tends to be associated with establishing a new partnership?

Happiness for both partners. Signup and view all the answers

At what age do couples usually consider separate residences temporary?

Under age 30. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a parent leave a violent partner despite the presence of children?

To protect the children. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed during the honeymoon period of a marriage?

Satisfaction is highest. Signup and view all the answers

What factor often decreases happiness for couples after having children?

Economic costs of raising children. Signup and view all the answers

During which time frame of marriage is happiness most likely to dip as children reach puberty?

10 to 20 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for divorce rates to be higher in the first years of marriage?

Financial stressors and conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is reported to have the highest divorce rates?

African Americans Signup and view all the answers

What trend is observed regarding marital happiness beyond 30 years of marriage?

Happiness is high and steady barring serious health problems. Signup and view all the answers

How does education level impact marriage according to the data?

College-educated couples are more likely to stay married. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reason children may increase satisfaction in some relationships?

Enhanced family dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major factor that contributes to the happiness and health of adults?

Having a long-term romantic partner Signup and view all the answers

How has the concept of marriage evolved in modern society compared to a few decades ago?

Marriage is more equal for women Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about adults' views on marriage despite fewer people marrying?

Most adults still hope to marry Signup and view all the answers

What correlation exists between marriage and adult health according to the content?

Marriage correlates with improved health and longevity Signup and view all the answers

What factor did one married gay man cite as influencing his decision to marry?

His mother's perception of his relationship Signup and view all the answers

What notable trend has been observed in marriage rates over the years?

Marriage is becoming less common and occurring later Signup and view all the answers

What effect can in-laws' acceptance have on a marriage?

It can create tension if the in-laws are not supportive Signup and view all the answers

What trend has been observed regarding the divorce rate from 1990 to 2019?

The divorce rate has decreased Signup and view all the answers

What factor is likely influencing the higher salaries of married men after five years compared to their single counterparts?

Adjustment to each other’s needs in a marriage Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence for noncustodial parents after a divorce?

They often become distant from their children Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about same-sex marriages once legalized in the United States?

There was a high rate of marriage among same-sex couples Signup and view all the answers

How does maturity influence marital conflict resolution according to the content?

It encourages couples to work through their disagreements Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of modern marriage reflects significant progression compared to the past?

Increased autonomy of women in marriage Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential result of divorce on social relationships?

It can increase feelings of loneliness Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason fewer adults are deciding to marry, as per the content?

Fear of divorce Signup and view all the answers

What generally happens to relationships with in-laws after a couple divorces?

They typically end Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intimacy: Connecting with Others

Humans are not meant to be loners, physical and psychological well-being flourish with supportive family and friends
Romantic partnerships are crucial for happiness and well-being
Marriage is traditionally a codified romantic bond, but is less common, later in life, and more diverse (including same-sex and interracial couples)
Most adults still hope to marry, believing that society functions better with couples married
Marriage rates have decreased and people marry later
Divorce rates are higher among divorced couples than single couples
Same-sex couples have a high marriage rate, viewed as a marker of success in personal life
Marriage in adulthood involves adjusting to each other's needs, allowing for better couple function versus singlehood

Marriage in Adulthood

Marriage is often associated with increased comfort, higher income for men, and more comfortable homes
Modern roles in marriage are changing, with women having more jobs and men involved in child care
Non-marital romantic relationships are increasing, with cohabitation a common alternative to marriage
Cohabitation has less happiness and higher rates of dissolution, but this is sometimes related to lower income
Midlife cohabiting couples have similar happiness to married couples, net of income

Living Apart Together (LAT)

LAT couples, those who live separately but maintain a romantic partnership, are on the rise
LAT couples are chosen at older ages, and frequently for economic reasons
Couples under 30 who live apart typically view it as temporary
Financial patterns can be a challenge for LAT couples, with women frequently wanting to maintain financial separate accounts
Children are often a strong influence on relationship choices, including decisions to marry, divorce, cohabit, or stay as LAT
Older couples may choose LAT to avoid upsetting their adult children

Intergenerational Relationships

Ties between adults and their parents are common, with regular contact prevalent
Intergenerational relationships can be strengthened, not weakened, by physical separation
Adults often live near their parents, often because of proximity or financial advantages
Boomerang children, adults living with parents, is an increasingly common trend
Many adults prefer having separate housing and lives

Fictive Kin

Fictive kin are relationships where people are treated as family members, despite not being biologically related;
Could be the result of family member recommendations to other families
Often chosen in order to meet needs, such as needing a match for a stem cell donor
The result of prejudice or rejection from family.
Often have critical roles in community survival and success.

Trends in Marriage and Happiness

Children, especially when they are infants or teens, may decrease happiness in marriages
Divorce rates are higher in the early years of marriage, but the rates decrease with age
Happiness holds steady from 10-20 years in marriages, before dipping in the 20-30 range before rising in the 30-50 range.
Economic factors and the ages of marriage play significant roles
Education and religion affect who marries and rates of divorce

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Description

Explore the dynamics of intimacy and marriage in adulthood. This quiz covers the importance of romantic partnerships, societal changes in marriage rates, and the impact of diversity in modern relationships. Discover how these factors contribute to overall well-being and happiness.