Abstract
In this paper, the author looks at the issues arising from same sex couples adopting children. The paper explains the procedures involved in adopting and the screening process for prospective parents. The author then looks at same sex couples who want to adopt and the implications on a child's upbringing. The author specifically mentions a report by the Medical Institute of Sexual Health which states that "Significantly higher percentages of homosexual men and women abuse drugs, alcohol and tobacco than do heterosexuals." The author discusses how he believes that children have the right to grow up in a normal healthy family which, he believes, is made up of a mother and a father. In conclusion, the author offers his opinion that, although home is where the heart is, adoption should be about placing children in natural families and safe homes.

From the Paper
"In addition, the child has a right to have a natural family, and a mother and father. Due to divorce, this family deprivation has already hit America like no other war, disease, or problem before. Should this unnatural family life continue or be extended and even encouraged by homosexual couples adopting? Social researcher David Blankenhorn, author of Fatherless America, declared, "Fatherlessness is the 'engine driving' social pathologies such as crime, adolescent pregnancy, child sexual abuse, and violence against women." Research confirms that the domestic environment most favorable to the well being of children has both a mother and a father. (Gay Adoption)"

Tags:lesbian, gay, couple, sexual, couple, heterosexual, child, emotional

Abstract
The paper examines language cues in couples with a review of the following factors that affect accurate interpretation of cues: emotional expressivity, verbal abuse, listening skills, withdrawal tendencies.

From the Paper
"Research has provided evidence that communication in couples is related to conflict in the relationship. (Fowers) Communication skills are taught to couples to improve their relationships and increase marital satisfaction. According to Flowers, while couples benefit from learning communication skills in a conflict situation, the use of these new skills can be problematic and require additional personal strengths such as courage or self-restraint. Aspects of good communication that lead to positive marital relationships include self-expression and mutual understanding with nurturance..."

Tags:language cues, couples, verbal abuse

Abstract
The growing movement of the gay rights movement in the United States, Canada and elsewhere has raised some sensitive issues. Not the least of these is whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt children. This paper explores this problem.

Tags:gay, couples, adopt

Abstract
The paper analyzes how people naturally seek out partners in an effort to be a part of a couple, and so they find other couples fascinating, watching them, observing them, and silently comparing their experiences together with their own. The paper examines how the history of couples on television, especially in America, serves as an intriguing study into American culture and values in general. The paper describes how couples on television have been portrayed differently over the decades as American beliefs and values have changed. The paper proposes that to study the history of couples on television is to study American attitudes toward a variety of social institutions and situations.

From the Paper
"Perhaps the first famous television couple in America was the duo of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Exploding onto American television screens in the early 1950s, Lucy and Desi were unique in that they not only played a married couple on television, but they were also married in real life (Douglas, 2003). Because of this real life connection, the Lucy and Desi duo was a particular source of fascination to the American public for many years. People wanted to watch Lucy and Desi to see not only what unbelievable exploits they would get into week after week, but to see if any part of their real life relationship was translated onto the television screen."

Tags:Leave, it, to, Beaver, I, Love, Lucy, The, Honeymooners, The, Ozzie, and, Harriet, Show

Abstract
The paper discusses the arguments against allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt, that are based primarily on religious reasons and on the contention that growing up under two same sex parents will be damaging to the natural psychological and biological development of the child. The paper then presents research that children can lead normal and healthy lives without the every day influence of both genders working together and they can thrive without a heterosexual environment. The paper also notes the benefits of adoption for the couple to achieve a relatively normal family life. The paper strongly contends that gay and lesbian couples can offer millions of orphaned children the luxury of a happy home and truly caring parents.

From the Paper
"The process and statutes involved in same sex adoption policies vary greatly from state to state as well as within the minds and opinions of Americans across the country. Before a major taboo, the practice has become more common with less state restrictions across the United States. In cases where the states allow legal marriage between same sex partners, adoption laws are easier for same sex couples. Being legally married provides benefits within the adoption process that help the couple beyond the simple civil unions seen in other states where same sex marriage is not yet a legal practice; "The legal definition of marriage does not exist in isolation; changing it alters many areas of the law. For example, the definition of marriage plays an important role in the law of adoption, education, employee benefits, employment discrimination, government contracts and subsidies, taxation, tort law, and trusts and estates," (Severino 2007:941). Thus, states such as Vermont, where gay marriage is a legal practice, allow for an easier process during a gay or lesbian couple's path towards adoption. However, this does not prohibit all gay and lesbian couples living in states with legal restrictions on same sex marriage from adopting as well, the process is just made more complicated."

Tags:gender, same-sex, marriage, religion

Abstract
This paper examines a dating couple that is experiencing difficulties concerning personal perspective in their relationship. The dialogue between these two individuals shall be assessed according to the integrative couple therapy approach as is outlined in the book, Reconcilable Differences by Andrew Christensen and Neil S. Jacobson.

Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the novel, "Couples," by John Updike. Specifically, it presents an informative report on the novel, its author, and its reception by the critics. The couples in this novel fear death, and in an attempt to reduce and cover up their fears, they sleep with their married friends, forming a sort of "infidelity cult." The paper shows how "Couples" does not celebrate marriage; it bemoans it. It does not celebrate adultery and infidelity; it shows how they can ruin marriages and lives. This book is about a changing society and how religion has given way to sex and a sense of loss.

From the Paper
"Freddy Thorne, the dentist in town is also the "thorn" in the side of many characters. He is abrasive and annoying, but he is also deceptively sharp and to the point. He says at one point, "The funny fact is, you don't get better, and nobody gives a cruddy crap in hell. You're born to get laid and die, and the sooner the better" (Updike 255). Freddy is the "devil" in the story the anti-hero who makes the other characters think and react, and can read them quite well. He is annoying because he is so critical, but because he is so astute, too. He understands more of what is going on around him more than just about any character, and so, he is the conscience of the book, something that many of the other characters totally lack."

Tags:Piet, Hanema, Foxy, Whitman

Abstract
The paper emphasizes that the patriarchal society narrows the parameters within which gay couples' communication can occur, since it socially constructs gender roles and sexual orientation. The essay argues that it is the communication between gay couples that serves as the stepping-stone for society to become more inclusionary toward same-sex orientation.

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive description of Anorexia Nervosa. Prevalence statistics, course and outcome and etiology of the disorder are described. The concept of the family unit is introduced. Family therapy of eating disorders is broken down into the steps and processes. The paper explores the effectiveness of family and couples therapy for eating disorders, and a combined treatment option is given.

Table of Contents
Description
Prevalence and Incidence
Course and Outcome
Etiology
Introduction to the Family
Family Therapy of Anorexia Nervosa
Effectiveness of Family Therapy
Marital and Couple Therapy
Combination Treatments
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The disease of Anorexia Nervosa affects all aspects of a patient's life, including family functioning. The disease has a set of diagnostic criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2000. Many researches have investigated the family links to the etiology of the disorder. To understand the theory of family therapy for Anorexia Nervosa, an understanding of family structure and family therapy in general is needed. Current research has found that involving the family in therapy is a useful tool in the healing process. Family therapy of Anorexia involves three stages ranging from the initial meeting to setting future goals and termination of the sessions. If the patient with Anorexia is married, then brief marital or couple therapy is used. Other forms of treatment such as nutritional rehabilitation or psycho-pharmacology usually accompany most family therapy."

Tags:effectiveness, treatment, eating, disorder, psychiatry

Abstract
This paper seeks to analyze the directorial aspects of a couple that lived a cage for three days. By becoming "Circus Freaks" in an old custom that depicted South American Indians as savages, they see seek to explore how people would react in a city environment in Columbia, South America. By seeing the filming, the racial perspectives, and the reactions the couple get, we can see how this film provokes historical revisions on Indian heritage.