In this study (N = 239), Christian religious affiliation, low attachment avoidance, and intrinsic religious motivation contributed uniquely to positive marital attitudes; more serious relational status, low attachment avoidance, and intrinsic religious motivation contributed uniquely to marital readiness. Implications for family counseling practice and research are discussed.

This study seeks to uncover the benefits of participating in the act of cooking. The study was conducted in two phases at a mid‐sized private university on the East Coast: First was a phenomenological inquiry (n = 8), followed by a survey (n = 420). Measures included the Ryff scales of psychological well‐being and a survey of cooking attitudes and behaviors. Four distinct qualitative themes were identified in the first phase: cooking as a means of expressing creativity, positive attitudes about cooking, cooking as a valuable social opportunity, and cooking providing mood improvement. Cooking as a creative outlet was a key theme. We found small but significant correlations between frequency of cooking and the Ryff subscales of Environmental Mastery (r = .14, p < .003), Positive Relationships with Others (r = .11, p < .023), and Self‐Acceptance (r = .11, p < .020). A Chi‐squared 2x1 analysis indicates that survey participants have a significant preference for cooking for themselves and others as opposed to only cooking for themselves. Results suggest that cooking as a creative intervention may contribute to the improvement of mood, social connections, and personal acceptance, and that cooking as a creative act may be relevant to individual well‐being.

In this web‐based study, the authors examined long‐distance relationships (LDRs) and geographically close relationships (GCRs). Two hierarchical multiple regressions (N = 138) indicated that attachment predicted LDR and GCR commitment in Step 1. Final equations indicated that high satisfaction and investments predicted LDR commitment, whereas low attachment avoidance, low cooperative caregiving, high satisfaction, and low alternatives predicted GCR commitment. The pattern of predictors differed for LDRs versus GCRs.

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