For Better (For Worse)
The Science of a Good Marriage
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- £6.99
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- £6.99
Publisher Description
We've all heard the statistic: 50% of marriages end in divorce. It's enough to make many couples give up when the going gets tough. But what if it weren't true? What if, in fact, it's not only possible
but often easier than you think to save a seemingly troubled relationship?
These are the questions leading New York Times blogger Tara Parker-Pope asked herself after her own divorce. An investigative journalist, she turned to some of the top biologists, neuroscientists and psychologists for the facts about marriage and divorce.
For Better (For Worse) offers page after page of astonishing, eye-opening good news. Discover:
- The science behind why some marriages work and others don't
- The biology behind why some spouses cheat and others remain faithful
- The best diagnostic tools created by cutting-edge psychologists to assess the probability of success
in getting married and staying married
Packed full of questionnaires to uncover your hidden feelings and tools to show how small adjustments can make a huge difference, this is the definitive guide to the most profound relationship of our lives.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Marriage today is stronger than it has been in decades, writes Parker-Pope (The Hormone Decision), author of the New York Times's Well blog. Interviewing biologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and sociologists, she explores the science that can explain why a marriage succeeds examining such areas as monogamy, love, sex, children, money, and housework and translates the science into practical advice. For instance, while monogamy is not the norm among animals, it's certainly possible for some animals and for humans to remain sexually and socially faithful to one partner. Further, regular sex should be part of a good marriage even if it occurs less frequently over time. As for conflict, learning how to fight fairly allows partners to air differences without damaging their relationship. Describing the unhappy end of her own marriage, she looks at those relationships at high risk for divorce, such as the pursuer-distancer marriage (with the pursuer usually the woman) and the operatic marriage ( characterized by dramatic highs and lows ). Although the scientific research adds depth, much of the relationship advice is familiar and commonsensical, but married couples will still benefit from this refresher course.