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The Journals of Gerontology. Series B,... Dec 2022Social-emotional well-being is said to improve over adulthood, and studies of couples' age differences have focused primarily on marital conflict. The way couples...
OBJECTIVES
Social-emotional well-being is said to improve over adulthood, and studies of couples' age differences have focused primarily on marital conflict. The way couples discuss their relationship story predicts marital quality among newlyweds and long-married couples alike, yet older and younger couples' accounts have never been compared. The current study examined age differences in couples' use of I/we-talk, emotion words, and immediacy (i.e., an urgent and unresolved style) during a relationship history discussion and their subsequent mood reactivity and appraisals.
METHOD
Married couples (N = 186 individuals within 93 couples, aged 22-77) recounted the story of their relationship then rated the discussion and their negative mood. Mediation models assessed the 3 linguistic features as parallel dyadic mediators linking couple age to negative mood responses and appraisals, controlling for global marital satisfaction, and baseline negative mood. Secondary analyses examined partners' concordance in language use.
RESULTS
Compared with younger couples, older couples used more positive than negative words and less immediacy which, in turn, was associated with husbands' and wives' less negative mood and more positive appraisals, only among husbands. Partners in older couples used more similar I/we-talk and emotional language, but these were unrelated to mood or appraisals.
DISCUSSION
This study extends our understanding of how marital interactions differ by age in the understudied context of relationship history discussions, which may grow increasingly important for couples' well-being with older age. Findings broadly align with social-emotional aging theories and uncover novel linguistic features relevant to the age-related emotional benefits of joint reminiscing.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Aged; Emotions; Spouses; Marriage; Aging; Language; Personal Satisfaction
PubMed: 35738871
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac080 -
Demography Dec 2016Conventional wisdom holds that births following the colloquially termed "shotgun marriage"-that is, births to parents who married between conception and the birth-are...
Conventional wisdom holds that births following the colloquially termed "shotgun marriage"-that is, births to parents who married between conception and the birth-are nearing obsolescence. To investigate trends in shotgun marriage, we matched North Carolina administrative data on nearly 800,000 first births among white and black mothers to marriage and divorce records. We found that among married births, midpregnancy-married births (our preferred term for shotgun-married births) have been relatively stable at about 10 % over the past quarter-century while increasing substantially for vulnerable population subgroups. In 2012, among black and white less-educated and younger women, midpregnancy-married births accounted for approximately 20 % to 25 % of married first births. The increasing representation of midpregnancy-married births among married births raises concerns about well-being among at-risk families because midpregnancy marriages may be quite fragile. Our analysis revealed, however, that midpregnancy marriages were more likely to dissolve only among more advantaged groups. Of those groups considered to be most at risk of divorce-namely, black women with lower levels of education and who were younger-midpregnancy marriages had the same or lower likelihood of divorce as preconception marriages. Our results suggest an overlooked resiliency in a type of marriage that has only increased in salience.
Topics: Black or African American; Birth Rate; Divorce; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Marriage; North Carolina; Socioeconomic Factors; Vulnerable Populations; White People
PubMed: 27804061
DOI: 10.1007/s13524-016-0510-x -
Reproductive Health Mar 2021Married adolescent girls are vulnerable to risky sexual and reproductive health outcomes. We examined the association of fertility pressure from in-laws' early in...
The association between early in marriage fertility pressure from in-laws' and family planning behaviors, among married adolescent girls in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India.
BACKGROUND
Married adolescent girls are vulnerable to risky sexual and reproductive health outcomes. We examined the association of fertility pressure from in-laws' early in marriage with contraceptive use ever, parity, time until first birth, and couple communication about family size, among married adolescent girls.
METHODS
Data were taken from a cross-sectional survey with married girls aged 15-19 years (N = 4893) collected from September 2015 to July 2016 in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India. Multivariable regression assessed associations between in-laws' fertility pressure and each outcome, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.
RESULTS
We found that 1 in 5 girls experienced pressure from in-laws' to have a child immediately after marriage. In-laws' fertility pressure was associated with lower parity (Adj. β Coef. - 0.10, 95% CI - 0.17, - 0.37) and couple communication about family size (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.39, 2.26), but not contraceptive use or time until birth.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study adds to the literature identifying that in-laws' pressure on fertility is common, affects couple communication about family size, and may be more likely for those yet to have a child, but may have little effect impeding contraceptive use in a context where such use is not normative.
Topics: Adolescent; Contraception; Contraception Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Decision Making; Family Planning Services; Female; Fertility; Humans; India; Marriage; Pregnancy; Young Adult
PubMed: 33750403
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01116-9 -
American Journal of Men's Health 2019From the 1980s, along with the wide application of the "one-child policy" and new technologies for prenatal sex determination, China's population has experienced a...
From the 1980s, along with the wide application of the "one-child policy" and new technologies for prenatal sex determination, China's population has experienced a growing male population. China will thus face an increasingly serious male "marriage squeeze," possibly resulting in decreased psychological and sexual well-being of involuntary bachelors, which, in turn, may result in decreased quality of life (QoL). This study used data from the Social Survey on Gender Role and Family Life, which was conducted from August 2014 to January 2015 in Shaanxi Province ( = 1,144; 516 never-married and 628 married rural men). Descriptive analyses, crosstab analyses, and independent sample -tests were used to compare the scores of three dimensions of QoL (physical and psychological health, and social relationships) and the overall QoL of rural men. Using the linear regression analysis method, this study analyzed involuntary bachelors' smoking behavior and its impact on their QoL. Results indicate that smoking not only fails to alleviate the psychological or sexual problems of involuntary bachelors, it has an independent and negative impact on the physical and psychological health of married and never-married men, which negatively affects their overall QoL. Subjective and objective exposure to marriage squeeze negatively impacts three dimensions of QoL and overall QoL of married and never-married men; however, this influence was moderated by sexual satisfaction. In addition, sexual satisfaction positively affected the three dimensions of QoL and overall QoL of married and never-married men. Since involuntary bachelors may be a high-risk group, further research is warranted.
Topics: Adult; China; Humans; Male; Marriage; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior; Single Person; Smoking
PubMed: 31221046
DOI: 10.1177/1557988319859733 -
Reproductive Health Jun 2021Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, inequalities in ASRH have received less attention...
BACKGROUND
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, inequalities in ASRH have received less attention than many other public health priority areas, in part due to limited data. In this study, we examine inequalities in key ASRH indicators.
METHODS
We analyzed national household surveys from 37 countries in SSA, conducted during 1990-2018, to examine trends and inequalities in adolescent behaviors related to early marriage, childbearing and sexual debut among adolescents using data from respondents 15-24 years. Survival analyses were conducted on each survey to obtain estimates for the ASRH indicators. Multilevel linear regression modelling was used to obtain estimates for 2000 and 2015 in four subregions of SSA for all indicators, disaggregated by sex, age, household wealth, urban-rural residence and educational status (primary or less versus secondary or higher education).
RESULTS
In 2015, 28% of adolescent girls in SSA were married before age 18, declined at an average annual rate of 1.5% during 2000-2015, while 47% of girls gave birth before age 20, declining at 0.6% per year. Child marriage was rare for boys (2.5%). About 54% and 43% of girls and boys, respectively, had their sexual debut before 18. The declines were greater for the indicators of early adolescence (10-14 years). Large differences in marriage and childbearing were observed between adolescent girls from rural versus urban areas and the poorest versus richest households, with much greater inequalities observed in West and Central Africa where the prevalence was highest. The urban-rural and wealth-related inequalities remained stagnant or widened during 2000-2015, as the decline was relatively slower among rural and the poorest compared to urban and the richest girls. The prevalence of the ASRH indicators did not decline or increase in either education categories.
CONCLUSION
Early marriage, childbearing and sexual debut declined in SSA but the 2015 levels were still high, especially in Central and West Africa, and inequalities persisted or became larger. In particular, rural, less educated and poorest adolescent girls continued to face higher ASRH risks and vulnerabilities. Greater attention to disparities in ASRH is needed for better targeting of interventions and monitoring of progress.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Marriage; Reproductive Behavior; Reproductive Health; Sexual Behavior; Socioeconomic Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 34134718
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01125-8 -
African Health Sciences Jun 2022Sexual dysfunction among men is on the increase in Nigerian societies; however, many do not seek health care; and may prefer using aphrodisiac herbs.
BACKGROUND
Sexual dysfunction among men is on the increase in Nigerian societies; however, many do not seek health care; and may prefer using aphrodisiac herbs.
OBJECTIVES
We investigated the attitude of literate married men towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. We also examined whether there would be a significant difference in the attitude of literate married men towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs based on age and educational attainment.
METHODS
Descriptive survey method was adopted for the study. A total of 200 literate married men were selected through simple random and purposive sampling. The participants responded to a researcher-designed questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 alpha level.
RESULTS
The attitude of literate married men was positive. There were significant differences in the attitude of literate married men towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs in Ilorin, Kwara State based on age and educational attainment.
CONCLUSIONS
Most literate married men in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria had a positive attitude towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs. Doctors and counsellors should organise community-based talk to orientate literate married men on the use of aphrodisiac herbs.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aphrodisiacs; Nigeria; Marriage; Attitude; Educational Status
PubMed: 36407339
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i2.49 -
Demography Aug 2016Relationship stability is a key indicator of well-being, but most U.S.-based research has been limited to different-sex couples. The 2008 panel of the Survey of Income...
Relationship stability is a key indicator of well-being, but most U.S.-based research has been limited to different-sex couples. The 2008 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) provides an untapped data resource to analyze relationship stability of same-sex cohabiting, different-sex cohabiting, and different-sex married couples (n = 5,701). The advantages of the SIPP data include the recent, nationally representative, and longitudinal data collection; a large sample of same-sex cohabitors; respondent and partner socioeconomic characteristics; and identification of a state-level indicator of a policy stating that marriage is between one man and one woman (i.e., DOMA). We tested competing hypotheses about the stability of same-sex versus different-sex cohabiting couples that were guided by incomplete institutionalization, minority stress, relationship investments, and couple homogamy perspectives (predicting that same-sex couples would be less stable) as well as economic resources (predicting that same-sex couples would be more stable). In fact, neither expectation was supported: results indicated that same-sex cohabiting couples typically experience levels of stability that are similar to those of different-sex cohabiting couples. We also found evidence of contextual effects: living in a state with a constitutional ban against same-sex marriage was significantly associated with higher levels of instability for same- and different-sex cohabiting couples. The level of stability in both same-sex and different-sex cohabiting couples is not on par with that of different-sex married couples. The findings contribute to a growing literature on health and well-being of same-sex couples and provide a broader understanding of family life.
Topics: Age Factors; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Marriage; Socioeconomic Factors; Spouses; United States
PubMed: 27383844
DOI: 10.1007/s13524-016-0490-x -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2018Early marriage and pregnancy is a risk factor for poor maternal and child health and socio-economic outcomes. Bokeo and Luang Namtha provinces in northern Lao People's...
BACKGROUND
Early marriage and pregnancy is a risk factor for poor maternal and child health and socio-economic outcomes. Bokeo and Luang Namtha provinces in northern Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) has high rates of teenage pregnancy. The purpose of this research was firstly to explore factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in rural Lao. Secondly, to understand the specific challenges adolescent mothers face in accessing maternal health services.
METHODS
Qualitative interviews were undertaken with adolescent mothers and unmarried adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, living in rural areas, and from different ethnic groups. In total, we undertook six focus group discussions with adolescents aged 13-19 years, twenty in-depth interviews with unmarried/married adolescents aged 12-19 years. In addition, we interviewed husbands of the adolescent mothers (N = 8) and mothers-in-law of both male and female adolescents (N = 9), community leaders and healthcare providers (health providers N = 17 and community leaders N = 12). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, based on a conceptual framework identified at the outset of the study.
RESULTS
The findings suggest that pre-marital sex, early marriage and pregnancy are the norm in these settings. Determinants of teenage pregnancy included liberal attitudes to teen pre-marital sexual intercourse, early marriage and pregnancy, incomplete knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and limited access to appropriate services.
CONCLUSION
The determinants of teenage pregnancy in this setting are multi-dimensional, and require a range of responses. As some of the determinants are deeply embedded in the system of local values, beliefs and practices, and form part of the logic of what it is to become a healthy woman, these practices are deeply entrenched and may be resistant to new knowledge. The challenge therefore is to find culturally responsive strategies that enable individual and collectively agency.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Female; Focus Groups; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Laos; Male; Marriage; Mothers; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Qualitative Research; Reproductive Health Services; Rural Population; Sexual Behavior; Spouses
PubMed: 29884139
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1859-1 -
PloS One 2021The Sustainable Development Goals include a target on eliminating child marriage, a human rights abuse. Yet, the indicator used in the SDG framework is a summary...
The Sustainable Development Goals include a target on eliminating child marriage, a human rights abuse. Yet, the indicator used in the SDG framework is a summary statistic and does not provide a full picture of the incidence of marriage at different ages. This paper aims to address this limitation by providing an alternative method of measuring child marriage. The paper reviews recent data on nuptiality and captures evidence of changes in the proportion married and in the age at marriage, in 98 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using data collected from nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, survival analysis is applied to estimate (a) age-specific marriage hazard rates among girls before age 18; and (b) the number of girls that were married before age 18 in 2020. Results show that the vast majority of girls remain unmarried until age 10. Child marriage rates increase gradually until age 14 and accelerate significantly thereafter at ages 15-17. By accounting for both single-year-age-specific child marriage hazard rates and the age structure of the population with a survival analysis approach, lower estimates in countries with a rapid decrease in child marriage and higher estimates in countries with constant or slightly rising child marriage rates relative to the direct approach are obtained.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Marriage
PubMed: 34705836
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258378 -
BMC International Health and Human... Dec 2020Women, especially those who marry as children, experience various forms and degrees of exclusion and discrimination. Early marriage is a harmful traditional practice...
BACKGROUND
Women, especially those who marry as children, experience various forms and degrees of exclusion and discrimination. Early marriage is a harmful traditional practice that continues to affect millions around the world. Though it has declined over the years, it is still pervasive in developing countries. In Ethiopia, Amhara National Regional State (or alternatively Amhara region) hosts the largest share of child-brides in the country. This study aimed at assessing the effects of early marriage on its survivors' life conditions - specifically, empowerment and household decision-making - in western Amhara.
METHODS
This study employed community-based cross-sectional study design. It adopted mixed method approach - survey, in-depth interview and focus group discussion (FGD) - to collect, analyse and interpret data on early marriage and its effects on household decision-making processes. The survey covered 1278 randomly selected respondents, and 14FGDs and 6 in-depth interviews were conducted. Statistical procedures - frequency distribution, Chi-square, logistic regression - were used to test, compare and establish associations between survey results on women empowerment for two groups of married women based on age at first marriage i.e., below 18 and at/after 18. Narratives and analytical descriptions were integrated to substantiate and/or explain observed quantitative results, or generate contextual themes.
RESULTS
This study reported that women married at/after 18 were more involved in household decision-making processes than child-brides. Child-brides were more likely to experience various forms of spousal abuse and violence in married life. The study results illustrated how individual-level changes, mainly driven by age at first marriage, interplay with structural factors to define the changing status and roles of married women in the household and community.
CONCLUSION
Age at first marriage significantly affected empowerment at household level, and women benefited significantly from delaying marriage. Increase in age did not automatically and unilaterally empowered women in marriage, however, since age entails a cultural definition of one's position in society and its institutions. We recommend further research to focus on the nexus between the household and the social-structural forms that manifest at individual and community levels, and draw insights to promote women's wellbeing and emancipation.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Empowerment; Ethiopia; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Intergenerational Relations; Interviews as Topic; Marriage; Spouse Abuse
PubMed: 33317540
DOI: 10.1186/s12914-020-00249-5