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Title details for For Better by Tara Parker-Pope - Available

For Better

The Science of a Good Marriage

by Tara Parker-Pope
Cassandra Campbell
Audiobook
2 of 2 copies available
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2 of 2 copies available
We've all heard the statistic: Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. It's enough to make many couples give up when the going gets rough, thinking that's what everybody else does. 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 on the health and wellness beat, she turned to some of the top biologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and other scientists for the facts about marriage and divorce. Those facts were more positive and provocative than she'd ever expected, and For Better offers page after page of astonishing, eye-opening good news. Parker-Pope presents 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 the most cutting-edge psychologists to assess the probability of success in getting married, staying married, or remarrying. There are questionnaires to uncover potentially damaging hidden attitudes toward spouses. There are tools to show the impact of routine, fresh activity and how small adjustments can make a huge difference. Tara Parker-Pope's genius is for exploring the science behind the big issues that affect our lives every day and translating that science into advice that we can use-every day. For Better is the definitive guide to the most profound relationship of our lives.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    May 6, 2010

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781615730957
      • File size: 282165 KB
      • Duration: 09:47:50

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      An investigative journalist presents fascinating research on factors that appear more often in successful marriages than in unsuccessful ones. The age of marital partners, sexual arousal patterns, socioeconomic and educational status, conflict-management styles, and division of household chores all predict marriage viability. Health issues and compatibility of personal rhythms also make a difference, along with behavior patterns people can change, such as communication style. Cassandra Campbell's matter-of-fact but friendly reading strikes the right chord for this analytic guide. Her understated warmth and commitment to the material carry listeners through data and lists that would otherwise sound tedious. These strengths and the author's humanitarian tone should help listeners get a better perspective on the mysteries of love and feel more optimistic about its challenges. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      March 22, 2010
      “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.

    • Library Journal

      Starred review from September 1, 2010

      New York Times blogger Parker-Pope (The Hormone Decision) believes that the best insights about love and relationships today are coming from the scientific community, where researchers apply the logic and rigors of science to the complex subject of marriage. Deftly translating scientific findings into practical advice on such hot-button topics as sex, parenting, fighting, and financial problems, Parker-Pope hopes to help those couples embarking on their first committed relationship, attempting to rescue a troubled relationship, or trying to get it right the second time around. Actress/Audie Award winner Cassandra Campbell's easy, conversational tone makes this thoughtful work feel like the guidance of a trusted friend. Very valuable advice for listeners hoping to strengthen their relationships. [See Prepub Exploded, BookSmack! 12/03/09.--Ed.]--Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., Garrettsville, OH

      Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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