In recent years, policymakers at all levels of government have spoken about the importance of promoting healthy marriages. This political interest comes as no surprise because research has shown that couple relationships are central to family stability and child development. Furthermore, couple interventions can demonstrably improve child and family functioning. This volume presents cutting-edge research and theory on couple relationships, with an emphasis on the implications for child development. It brings together developmental psychopathology experts, couple relationship researchers, and clinician-researchers who have developed innovative preventive couple interventions. The book is divided into three parts. The first part demonstrates the influence of couple relationships on parenting processes and child development. The second part explores the determinants of couple functioning, relationship satisfaction, and relationship stability. The final part highlights innovative couples- or family-based interventions designed to promote strong couple relationships, stable families, and healthy child development. This final part also addresses the policy and clinical training implications of the intervention studies. With its diversity of theoretical perspectives including attachment, family systems, developmental, and social learning frameworks this book will be an invaluable resource for clinicians, researchers, and family and health policy professionals. |
