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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, July 15-18, 2006 2 The Park Record A-10 USU identifies characteristics of Latino marriages Researchers acknowledge marital education needs to take diversity into account When it comes to teaching about successful marriages, one size does not fit all. As the nation becomes increasingly diverse, the way marital happiness is addressed becomes more complex. In the past, marriage education tended to treat everyone the same. New research on successful Hispanic marriage indicates this approach may have flaws. "There is more to it than just translating English to Spanish," said Linda Skogrand, Extension family and human development specialist at Utah State University. "There are cultural differences in how couples gauge marital happiness." Skogrand conducted research that focuses on the strengths of Latino marriages. The Latino population continues to grow disproportionately to the rest of the United States, increasing by 14 percent from 2000 to 2004, while the non-La'1'1" nonulation grew by only 2 p, em. Latinos, especially young families, now constitute 24 percent of the population in western states. "One of the main things we found is that Latinos in our study are much less likely to think of the marriage as something separate from the family," Skogrand said. "Whereas non-Latino marriage enrichment might focus on spending more time as a couple, this probably isn't the best approach for Latino couples. The children need to be part of the process." In Latino marriages, family affiliation is so important that "parenthood" is considered to be more important than "partnerhood," she said. The study found that the primary goal of marriage is to have children and be part of the family that ensues. Marital happiness may not be the primary goal of marriage and may not be viewed as necessary in achieving a satisfying family life. Intergenerational connections, such as the relationship of a parent to a child, often take precedence over the marital relationship, with the children taking a higher priority than the marriage. Rather than looking at divorce rates, Skogrand's research focused on the strengths of Latino marriages. She and bi-lingual research assistant Danny Hatch interviewed 50 couples identified by community and church leaders in Logan and Brigham City. Qf the 50 participants, 43 were first generation immigrants and seven were second generation immigrants. The husband and wife were interviewed separately, usually in their home. "We found that children are the source of happiness and the glue that keeps Latino families together," Skogrand said. "Only two out of 50 couples indicated that children were a source of stress." "Without children, I think there aren't marriages," one Latino in a successful marriage said. "Almost 90 percent of couples who don't have children separate. They always separate. So if there aren't children, I don't think there is a marriage. The children are the happiness of the house." Skogrand said the research found that religion played a much greater role in successful marriages than for non-Latinos. "All participants in the study who talked about commitment described it in the context of religion," she said. "Marriage was a life-long commitment, which made them feel they needed to stay together through difficult times. They sacrificed personal benefits for the good of the family. Since religious teachings were also against divorce and living together outside marriage, there was an increased commitment to marriage." This is not to say that nonLatino couples don't consider religion and children important in their marriages. The study only looked at how different attributes were ranked. Skogrand conducted the study and collaborated with a colleague at Kansas State University who is replicating the study there and helping design the curriculum. "This is for marriage enhancement education as opposed to therapy," she said. "It will be something educators, such as Extension family life specialists, could use." How might these findings change how we present marriage enrichment training to Latino couples? "Some possibilities include having a series of family events where parents and children are invited and there are activities for strengthening the family unit," Skogrand said. "The family time could include activities that show how family members rely on each other and how love and support go from parents to children and from children to parents. It could also include time to have fun together, which was described as an important benefit of having children. Another part of the event might include activities for children in a nearby facility, while couples engage in programming that focuses on topics unique to the couple relationship." Another implication might be that marriage education programming should be planned in partnership with spiritual leaders, she said. Although many of the participants in this study were Catholic, any religious group that serves Latino families may ,be a place where the programming can take place. Religious institutions are likely to be a trusted meeting place for couples and families as opposed to a school or government building. Because these couples relied on religious leaders for help in many aspects of their marriage and family life, religious leaders might also be appropriate and respected co-facilitators of marriage and family education. Looking to educate Navajo youth Mice used in addiction st UVSC will partner with the Navajo Nation and Certiport to develop a program designed to help Navajo youth discover a fresh start in learning vital career skills and a second chance to earn a high school diploma. The initiative available through 110 Navajo Nations Chapters (community centers) will include personal development to achieve a digital literacy certification, high school diploma, college credit and new career direction. .ta^rSfuSsS Capitol, Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Lieutenant The long-term goal of this effort will be to raise the overall graduation rate of Navajo students and prepare them with the current and relevant skills required to enter the digital economy without leaving Navajo lands to seek meaningful employment. "Supporting the growth and culture of the Native American population is an investment in our -Supporting the growth and culture of fa f\]atJVe American Gary Herbert, Certiport CEO David Saedi and Nation President Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr. of to this discuss the alignment public-private partnership. "The Navajo family possesses a timeless wisdom that produced a culture sustainable for hundreds of years," President Shirley said. "This partnership, combining knowledge with my people's wisdom, will provide a-pattern of true opportunity and future sustainability." populations is ! f" n i l ?g , cand certifying skills vital for competing in the global market place. Based on Certiport's Skilled2Succeed work• HM u *, • force development model, -Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. Certiport and partners will Utah Governor provide globally recog^ i ^ - nized assessments, coursefuture," said Governor Huntsman. ware, certifications and job place"This collaboration among Utah's ment services. public and private sectors and the Additionally, UVSCs Navajo Nation is a commitment Multicultural Center will evaluate that will yield wonderful results for the feasibility of providing disAmerica's youth, particularly the tance learning toward earning a Navajo youth." high school diploma, college "Digital literacy empowers indi- degrees and other career developviduals from all cultures to secure ment programs for. Navajo . stucareer and life opportunities previ- dents. Governor 3/7 investment u v s c President Bill Sederburg will join Navajo ously unavailable to them," Saedi said. "When individuals of a community find inclusion into the digital world, there is no limit to what they can achieve, individually and collectively." This new initiative will integrate with the Navajo Nation's existing Web Warriors program provided at Navajo Nation Community Chapters. Combined, these programs will help Navajo youth leverage computers and access to Internet services to raise in OUr future. " Mice on drugs make a cheesy and jargon-free way, so that it is Learning Center is an education sight - but they also provide an accessible to students and the lay program located in Ihe midst of entertaining and easy way to public," says Louisa Stark. the world-class bioscience learn about the science of addic- Ph.D., Learning Center director. research being carried out at the tion at a new, interactive Web Kevin Pompei, the center's Univeiaity of Utah. site developed by the Genetic associate director, says highThe center's mission is to help Science Learning Center at the quality graphics and interactive people understand how geneLics University, of Utah. learning experiences are effec- affect their lives and society. Its "The New Science of tive tools for Web-based educa- award-winning Web site, Addiction: Genetics and the tion. "Research shows people http://learn.genetics.utah.edu is Brain" Web site uses the don't read a lot of text on the the most widely disseminated Learning Center's new Web. and that illustrations can genetics education Web site in Exploragraphic Web Design, convey knowledge in a much the world. In addition, the center with pages full of engaging more informative way," Pompei offers professional development graphics and interactive experi- says. courses and workshops for K-12 ences that explain how drugs The Learning Center's staff, teachers to update their knowlaffect the brain, the roles of with the help of high school and edge in the fast-paced field of genetics and environment in middle school teachers across genetics, as well as education addiction, and challenges and the country, devoted three years programs for the public. \"-irissues related to the disease. to developing the Web site conThe center's educational The Web site even features a tent. resources provide accurate and "Mouse.Party" video - com"The teachers brought a unbiased information about topplete with the little critters wealth of experience to the Web ics in genetics and bioscience. spaced out on marijuana, site development process." Stark Designed for non-research audimethamphetamine, and other says. "They provided invaluable ences, the materials are visually dangerous and illegal drugs -• to information about how teens rich, interactive and jargon-free. show the biological processes of learn and what engages them." Support for "The New drugs in the brain. The new site also contains Science of Addiction: Genetics All this material is available exclusive content for high school and the Brain" Web site was profor free • at teachers, including lesson plans ,vided by a Science Education hitp://learn.genetics.utah.edu/un. and print activities for use with Drug Abuse Partnership Award its/addiction/. the Web-based materials. (SEDAPA). from The National bf this Web site is About th^'lQe^JBti'c-'.S^iehce^ l"IuGtitute,v on snee df driig"* 1_A< a l l i i l J t v ^ C L I l C L . ^ 1 •;*''• ' •.' addiction in a straightforward The Genetic Science t • Bassett JOHN E LW A Y H o m e C o • c t o n Bassett Furniture Direct specializes in customized furniture, at a great value, delivered fast. 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