Paul L. Schvaneveldt

Emotional Expressiveness and Marital Adjustment in Ecuador

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between emotional expressiveness and dyadic adjustment in a sample of adults from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Hypotheses were explored and tested in the following areas: the factor structure of emotional expressiveness and marital adjustment items, gender differences in emotional expressiveness, and the relationship between emotional expressiveness and marital adjustment. The factor structure in the current sample shows similar structures as a previous Latin American sample, but differing from the structures identified in U.S. samples. Women were not found to report a difference in expressiveness compared to men. Emotional expressiveness showed a strong relationship with marital adjustment, illustrating the importance of sharing positive emotions while suppressing negative ones (expression of sadness was not significant). Implications for practitioners in cross-cultural work, and possible explanations for cultural differences are discussed.

Parenting in Ecuador: Behaviors That Promote Social Competence

Parenting practices in Ecuador are dynamic, complex, and evolving. Parenting in Ecuador is shaped by its historical, economic, and political context. Parenting in Ecuador has been traditional in that parental authority was highly valued within a collectivist cultural context. Mothers and fathers followed traditional gender roles and socialization practices encouraged conformity to such patterns. Currently, Ecuador is experiencing many changes that are impacting parenting and family life. Gender roles are slowly changing, families often live in extended intergenerational households, many experience separation from family members due to emigration patterns, and divorce and single parenthood are becoming more common. Parenting practices that promote wellbeing and social competence for children and adolescence in Ecuador include an absence of punitiveness, neglect, and permissiveness. Positive parenting practices include the use of positive induction, involvement, monitoring, emotional closeness, and close family relationships. I also discuss parenting education programs and government policies.

Family Policy Initiatives in Ecuador: A Call for Explicit Family Policies

Family policy initiatives in Ecuador have targeted primarily families living in poverty. This chapter discusses some of the major policy initiatives oriented to improve the living conditions of economically disadvantaged families in Ecuador. Even though governments recognize the importance of family policies, existing policies and programs for families living in poverty do not directly focus on family issues. They represent more implicit than explicit family policies. This chapter analyzes some of the issues that may hinder the development, implementation, and evaluation of family policies in Ecuador. Such issues stem from political and economic instability, legislation, changing family demographics, as well as coordination among agencies that develop, implement, and evaluate policies. Challenges are discussed as related to family policies and recommendations to improve existing policy initiatives.

Undergraduate Competencies in Family Science: An Exploratory Study

The purpose of the study was to explore the ratings of core competencies for undergraduate students in Family Science. Identifying the competencies which are viewed as most important is necessary to effectively prepare undergraduate students for professions or other . A sample of 113 Family Science professionals was asked to rate the importance of undergraduate students possessing 18 differing core competencies related to Family Science. A rank order of importance was identified. Variations were also identified by gender and type of institution (i.e., teaching focused university or research focused university). Implications for curriculum, teaching pedagogies, assessment, and future research are discussed.

An Exchange Theory Perspective on Couple Formation Preferences and Practices in Ecuador

ABSTRACT Exploratory studies of mate selection practices and preferences are reported. In the first study, the demographic characteristics of couple formation are explored in a nationally representative sample of women in Ecuador. Results indicate significant differences by region. In the second study, a social exchange perspective is utilized to explore qualities believed to be important in selecting a marriage partner among a sample of persons from Guayaquil, Ecuador. In 2001, 121 adults responded to forty-six items identified in the social exchange literature as traits important to mate selection preferences. Results indicate that the large majority of respondents marry for love and within their social class. Significant differences were identified within the sample and are discussed. Overall, mate selection preferences in Latin America appear to be very similar to those in the United States, with noted exceptions being associated regional variation and demographic characteristics.

Adolescent Identity Style: An Antecedent to Adolescents’ Ability to Articulate Religious Beliefs

Adolescents often struggle with articulating their religious beliefs. This study proposes that identity style may explain why some adolescents have difficulty articulating their religious beliefs. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to predict adolescents’ ability to articulate their religious beliefs. It was found that an information-oriented identity style, commitment to an identity style, and religiosity were positively related to adolescents’ ability to articulate their religious beliefs. Diffuseand normative-oriented identity styles were not related to adolescents’ ability to articulate their religious beliefs.