This proposal seeks to continue the PI's research program on the antecedents and prediction of divorce. The PI's previous work investigated the causes and prevention of marital distress. In this earlier work, the PI found that males' withdrawal from conflict was the best predictor of divorce. The present work will follow the PI's earlier research respondents into their child rearing stage, to see how marital distress affects children. The research will assess the relation between affect regulation in marriage and in the parent child relationship (how is withdrawal in the marriage related to withdrawal from the child?). The effects of children on marital satisfaction and interaction also will be examined. In addition, divorced spouses will also be studied in their new relationships, to determine if dysfunctional patterns are repeated in second marriages. This research is focused on a critically important issue for American society. It is theory based, rigorous, and beautifully designed. Markman has proved himself in this arena, and deserves further funding.
