In Brief

By Alain L. Sanders

HOLY MATRIMONY Couples who believe marriage is a holy commitment and who participate in religious activities together are happier in marriage, says a study in the Journal of Family Psychology. These couples report less conflict and more collaboration than those with a secular view. When disagreeing, religious couples are more likely to express themselves openly, listen to each other and try to understand.

LOVE AND WORK For the many men and women who meet at work and marry, a Cornell University study may hold a suggestion: either have kids or change jobs. Researchers found that childless couples who work for the same employer tend to have a lower quality of life than either their counterparts with kids or couples who work for different employers. Without children to balance their lives, these nonparents were more prone to let negative work experiences, like job dissatisfaction and stress, invade their relationship.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME A difficult question for the growing number of families who need to care for disabled parents is where to do so: At home? In a new home? In an institution? If the answer hinges on the need for equipment--say a stair lift or an adjustable bed--the solution may not necessarily require moving out. ABLEDATA, a federally funded project, offers descriptions and purchasing information on thousands of items that can be bought to accommodate a home for a disabled loved one. Click www.abledata.com or call 1-800-227-0216.

--By Alain L. Sanders