Success in family living—does it last? A twenty-year follow-up

This paper reports selected findings from a 20-year ongoing study of successful family functioning. The study began in 1957–1960 with a nationwide sample of 100 young husband-wife-children families. In 1978–1979, 59 families, now in late middle age, completed a follow-up questionnaire. Their family histories are marked by pragmatic, flexible adaptation. Family dynamics are egalitarian in the marital dyad, democratic with regard to the sons and daughters. Relations with adult children are frequent, reinforced by a thriving transfer economy. Close friendships and active community involvement are cited as important sources of strength. While severely troubling situational events affecting family members are enumerated, few are defined as problems. Perceived problems are most often resolved within the family or, less often, with appropriate professionals. Husbands and wives express continuing satisfaction with marriage and family. They are optimistic about the future and, through careful planning, anticipate positive later-year development. The special situations of seven widows, three widowers and two divorced women are described briefly. This continuing research supports increasing evidence that stable, long marriages are not unusual. They can be identified and studied through successive stages of adult and family development. Planning, commitment, altruism, affection, democracy and economic opportunity are fundamental to enduring family life.