Based on in-depth interviews by skilled clinicians with husbands and wives who have been married more than 20 years, Mackey and O'Brien explore how spouses adapt to each other from the early years of marriage, through the parenting years, and into the post-parenting or empty-nest years. None of the spouses were in therapy for marital conflicts, although practically all experienced the kinds of problems typical of married couples. Purposively selected for inclusion were spouses representing religious, ethnic, racial, and educational diversity. Each chapter focuses on an important theme in these long-term marital relationships. Mackey and O'Brien first explore the beginnings of the relationships and the recollections of how respondents were attracted initially. The next chapters focus on dimensions of marriage as they evolve over time. Collective themes emerging from the interviews are explored in relationship to gender, ethnicity, religion, and education. In view of increased life expectancies, couples who stay together will remain together for longer periods of time.

As longevity extends into the seventies, eighties, and beyond, it is critical to identify the significant dynamics which contribute to satisfaction among couples in stable marriages. This book responds to this need among sociologists, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family counselors, and general adult readers interested in gender, cultural differences, and interpersonal relationships.