Adult Years © Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
What does marriage do for society? Inheritance rights Structured economic partnership Regulating sexual behavior Childrearing
How is cohabitation different than marriage? When cohabitating couples marry, they have a greater risk of divorce than those couples who did not cohabitate. Many believe long term commitment not necessary for living arrangement Not a substitute for marriage
What creates marital satisfaction? Satisfied couples have Closeness Individual independence Couples who have a good marriage believe the marriage enhances themselves as individuals.
Do you remember? What does marriage do for society? Does cohabitation reduce divorce? What creates marital satisfaction?
What creates sexual satisfaction? Frequency Mutuality in initiating sex Frequency for orgasm among women Compared with Kinsey’s research Men and women now have a wider repertoire of sexual behavior
What is Gottman’s best predictor of marital satisfaction? Moments of support, kindness, passion & mutual pleasure far outweigh moments of disgust, criticism, defensiveness and anger
How did Gottman’s predict marital dissatisfaction? Facial expressions of disgust or fear Defensiveness Expressions of contempt
Why do people have extramarital sex? Reasons for: Wanting to expand emotionally or sexually Unavailability of sex within the marriage Way to begin ending a marriage Other factors Symptom of a disintegrating marriage May cause marital breakups Other serious consequences for both participant and spouse
Do you remember? What creates sexual satisfaction? What is Gottman’s best predictor of marital satisfaction? What predicts marital dissatisfaction? Why do people have extramarital sex?
Why is divorce increasing? Increasing due to Reduction in social stigma attached to divorce Increased economic independence of women Liberalization of divorce laws Emotional impact Similar to a death of a spouse
What is the most frequently stated reason for divorce? For men = Communication difficulties For women = communication difficulties
Why do second marriages have a higher divorce rate? Less willingness to stick around when things get rough
What influences sexual activity in later years? Need for affection and sexual intimacy continues into older years Physical health Medications In elderly may effect sexual desire and function Regularity of sexual expression Sexual activity levels in early adulthood
Do you remember? Why is divorce increasing? What is the most stated reason for divorce? What influences sexual activity in later years?