Long-Term Marriage
In the US, about 55% of adults over 15 are married. About 95% of US adults between 15 and 55 y.o. have ever been married. Among Americans 65 and over, a strong gender difference exists in percentage currently married (74 % of males vs. 43% of females), and in percentage currently widowed (13.7% of males vs 43.5% of females). These numbers reflect the fact that, at every stage of life from conception through late life, females survive at a higher rate than males. The population gender balance is perfect for 20 year olds, and the shortage of men grows steadily thereafter.
Emotional behavior in long term marriage was studied by Carstensen, Gottman, and Levenson (1995). These authors found fascinating similarities and differences between older couples (age 60+ and married 35+ years), middle aged couples (age 40-50 and married 15+ years), and young adult couples (average age 30 yrs.) typically studied in marital interaction research.
Similarities across adult epochs spans included:
- When asked to discuss difficult topics, most couples maintain a neutral emotional approach, uninfected with toxic emotions.
- Wives show more total emotion, negative emotion, anger , joy, contempt, whining, and sadness than do husbands.
- Husbands are generally more neutral and more defensive, avoiding conflict.
Ways older couples differ from younger and middle aged couples include:
- More use of active strategies to limit their experience of negative emotions and resolve conflicts congenially.
- More communication of positive feelings and affection for each other.
Dr. Chafetz works with married couples of all ages to master the skills that promote happy and meaningful marriages and personal growth.
Emotional behavior in long term marriage was studied by Carstensen, Gottman, and Levenson (1995). These authors found fascinating similarities and differences between older couples (age 60+ and married 35+ years), middle aged couples (age 40-50 and married 15+ years), and young adult couples (average age 30 yrs.) typically studied in marital interaction research.
Similarities across adult epochs spans included:
- When asked to discuss difficult topics, most couples maintain a neutral emotional approach, uninfected with toxic emotions.
- Wives show more total emotion, negative emotion, anger , joy, contempt, whining, and sadness than do husbands.
- Husbands are generally more neutral and more defensive, avoiding conflict.
Ways older couples differ from younger and middle aged couples include:
- More use of active strategies to limit their experience of negative emotions and resolve conflicts congenially.
- More communication of positive feelings and affection for each other.
Dr. Chafetz works with married couples of all ages to master the skills that promote happy and meaningful marriages and personal growth.