Question 1

Which of the following statements about marital satisfaction is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Although some studies have shown that women report greater marital satisfaction than men, this is not consistently supported in research. On the other hand, good communication among spouses has consistently been linked to greater satisfaction in marriage. However, the statement that marital satisfaction increases when children are born is not entirely accurate as this can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and factors.

Question 2

Which is true of marital satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently found that marital satisfaction decreases over time for most couples, and this decline is especially pronounced for couples who become parents. This may be due to the increased stress and demands of parenting, as well as changes in roles and routines that occur after having children. However, it is worth noting that not all couples experience this decline in satisfaction and there is considerable individual variability in the patterns and predictors of marital satisfaction.

Question 3

Comparisons of married and unmarried individuals shows that married people are:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that married individuals are physically healthier, psychologically healthier, and tend to report higher levels of happiness compared to those who are unmarried.

Question 4

Which is true of marital benefits?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that marital stress and conflict have a greater impact on women's physical health and well-being, while men may be more affected by the emotional toll of a troubled marriage. The "marriage benefit" refers to the statistically higher levels of happiness, health, and longevity found among married individuals compared to their single counterparts, but it is not necessarily greater for one gender over the other. Men and women's reported levels of happiness following the birth of a child are typically similar, though women may experience more postpartum depression and adjustment difficulties.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about cohabitation is not correct?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that a majority of married couples cohabited before marriage.

Question 6

Individuals who are more negative about cohabitation tend to:

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that negative attitudes towards cohabitation are often rooted in traditional views about sex and relationships, particularly the belief that sex should only occur within the confines of marriage. These negative attitudes are not necessarily linked to religiosity or attitudes towards gender roles.

Question 7

Which is/are true about cohabitation?

Accepted Answer

All of the options are true. Studies have found that the majority of first marriages and remarriages follow a period of cohabitation. Cohabitation often provides couples with a way to determine whether they are compatible before committing to marriage. At least 50 percent of couples in the United States and Europe have lived together before getting married.

Question 8

"The higher divorce rate of couples who previously cohabited compared to those who did not can be explained by different attitudes toward marriage and divorce held by individuals in these two groups." This explanation illustrates:

Accepted Answer

The explanation refers to a selection effect, as it suggests that the higher divorce rate for cohabiting couples is due to differences in the individuals who choose to cohabit versus those who do not.

Question 9

A selection effect can account for the greater marital instability of couples who cohabited prior to marriage compared to couples who did not. This effect refers to:

Accepted Answer

A selection effect occurs when individuals who choose to cohabit have different attitudes or characteristics than those who choose not to cohabit. In this case, the different attitudes toward marriage and divorce held by individuals who cohabit and those who do not can account for the greater marital instability of couples who cohabited prior to marriage compared to couples who did not. Cohabiting couples may have a more casual or less committed view of marriage, which can make them more likely to divorce.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about lesbian relationships is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that lesbian relationships are often characterized by a greater equality of power than heterosexual relationships. Option A is false, as many lesbians do engage in committed relationships. Option B is false, as studies suggest that lesbian relationships are just as likely to be committed as gay male relationships.

Question 11

Which is a stressor that lesbian couples may face?

Accepted Answer

All of the above options can be stressors for lesbian couples. The societal stigma against same-sex relationships can cause significant stress and hostility towards the couple. If one partner's identity is more critical to their self-concept than the other's, this can create tension and potential conflict within the relationship. LGBT couples may also face discrimination, such as being denied domestic partner insurance or other legal benefits, which can be a significant source of stress.

Question 12

Approximately ____ percentage of all marriages end in divorce.

Accepted Answer

According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce. This percentage varies based on factors such as age, education level, and socioeconomic status.

Question 13

Divorce rates are higher among than among .

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that Black women have higher divorce rates compared to women of other ethnicities.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about divorce rates is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Statement B is false - research has actually shown that women with disabilities are more likely to experience divorce than men with disabilities. Statement C is also false - according to recent data, the highest divorce rates are among Black Americans. Therefore, the only correct statement is A - Asian Americans do have the lowest divorce rate of any ethnic group in the U.S.

Question 15

In the United States, ______ have the lowest divorce rate and ______ have the highest.

Accepted Answer

Asian Americans typically have the lowest divorce rates in the United States, while Black Americans have been reported to have the highest divorce rates. This trend can be influenced by various factors including cultural attitudes towards marriage, economic conditions, and levels of education.

Question 16

Evidence regarding the effects of divorce on children shows that:

Accepted Answer

A) This is true as children may experience anxiety, depression, anger, and difficulty with trust immediately following a divorce.
B) This is also true as children in high-conflict families may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Divorce may actually offer some relief for children who are exposed to ongoing conflict.
C) This is partially true as some children may continue to experience difficulties several years after their parents' divorce, while others may adjust well. Overall, it depends on the specific circumstances of the divorce and the resources available to support the child's adjustment.

Question 17

Evidence regarding the effects of divorce on children shows that

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that children in joint custody arrangements tend to fare better than those who live solely with one parent. However, studies also indicate that children may experience negative effects such as emotional, academic, and behavioral problems immediately following a divorce. Gender does not appear to be a significant factor in the degree of negative effects experienced by children after divorce. Therefore, choice D (a and b) is the correct answer.

Question 18

Evidence regarding the effects of divorce on women shows that

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that while there may be short-term negative effects on psychological adjustment, most divorced women experience little to no long-term negative impact on their psychological adjustment. They are often able to rebuild their lives and find new sources of satisfaction and support. Option A is incorrect as research indicates that divorcees often experience an initial upswing in life satisfaction and emotional well-being, followed by a return to pre-divorce levels after a few years. Option B is also incorrect as research has shown that even immediately after divorce, some women experience increased depression and distress.

Question 19

Evidence regarding the effects of divorce on women shows that:

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that Black mothers often report a greater sense of mastery and resilience following divorce compared to White mothers.

Question 20

Currently, approximately _____ percent of women in the U.S. age 75 and over have never married.

Accepted Answer

As of the latest data, about 4% of women in the U.S. age 75 and over have never married. This reflects societal trends and changes in attitudes towards marriage over time.

Quiz 8: Relationships