Chapter Objectives

After reading the chapter, you should be able to:

discuss nonmarital cohabitation in each of the following areas:

understand the psychodynamic theories of mate selection: parent image theory and ideal mate theory.

describe the traditional exchange theory of mate selection and equity theory.

explain the components of the developmental process theory of mate selection:

describe how family background factors are related to mate selection

explain the concept of the marriage gradient.

describe how personal characteristics influence mate selection

explain why some people regret their choice of a mate.

understand the importance of each of the following factors in marital readiness:

discuss marriage as a civil contract and summarize the major legal state requirements regulating marriage.

discuss the need to prepare for marriage and the roles of education, premarital assessment, and counseling.

describe the following rites of passage and their functions:

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