• 411-01 - From Alpha to Omega: A Neurological Analysis of Marital Conflict
  Presented by: Claire Kimberly, Ron Werner-Wilson, Trent Parker, Donna Smith, Kelly Bradley
• 411-02 - Rural Families and Health
  Presented by: Kimberly Doudna, Kimberly Greder
• (PAPER CANCELLED) 411-03 - The Health of American Families: An Assets-based Perspective
  Presented by: Amy Syvertsen, Peter C. Scales, Eugene Roehlkepartain

Abstracts

From Alpha to Omega: A Neurological Analysis of Marital Conflict

Presented by: Claire Kimberly, Ron Werner-Wilson, Trent Parker, Donna Smith, Kelly Bradley

Research is beginning to find a positive and significant relationship between marriage and health. Even though the current literature shows that separation and divorce have strong negative consequences for the mental and physical health of both spouses (Dush & Amato, 2005), the answer to why and how this occurs has yet to be solved. Thus this study will attempt to enhance the current and ubiquitous literature surrounding relationships and health by analyzing neurological functions during a conflict interaction between married couples. Preliminary results support the positive relationship between left frontal brain activity and marital satisfaction.  

Rural Families and Health

Presented by: Kimberly Doudna, Kimberly Greder

Utilizing data sets from two separate but related projects designed to learn more about rural families, this symposium contributes to the field by exploring health in an understudied population. Two papers look at predictors of body mass index, in mothers and children respectively, while the other two explore the relationship between housing and health. Papers: Individual and community factors associated with rural Latina immigrant mother BMI Understanding Childhood Obesity and Family Environment in Rural Low-Income Households Community Context and Family Health Housing tenure trajectories and family health: An examination of rural, low-income families over three years

The Health of American Families: An Assets-based Perspective

Presented by: Amy Syvertsen, Peter C. Scales, Eugene Roehlkepartain

Using a comprehensive model of family strengths, this study examines the associations between the day-to-day interactions that unfold in family life and health outcomes for parenting adults and youth. Data come from 1,511 parenting adult-youth dyads. Results confirm the differential importance of family relationships, routines, expectations, adaptability, and community support in promoting health behaviors and minimizing stress, depressive symptoms, and adolescent risk behavior.