Melissa A Curran

Interests

Teaching

--Close or interpersonal relationships--Theories of interpersonal and family dynamics

Research

--Interpersonal and family relations--Relational sacrifices and relationship quality --Cohabitation--Transition to parenthood --Finances as relevant for individuals, couples, and families--Experiences of cancer within the family system --Marital representations and adult attachment

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Chapters

• O'Byrne, M., Swiatkowski, P., & Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1: #8 pub for 2020 with pg #s: We aim to please: Reading into relational dynamics. In Communication in Kink: Understanding the influence of the Fifty Shades of Grey Phenomenon [M. W. Kratzer (Ed.)](pp 175-197). Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.
  More info

  #8 (book chapter): Swiatkowski, P., O'Byrne, M., & Curran, M. A. (2020). We aim to please: Reading into relational dynamics. In J. M. W. Kratzer (Ed.), Communication in Kink: Understanding the influence of the Fifty Shades of Grey Phenomenon (pp. 175-197). Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.
• Curran, M. A., Totenhagen, C., & Serido, J. (2013). RC1: Psychological well-being, marital risk, and advice seeking.. In Encyclopedia of Quality of Life Research..

Journals/Publications

• Barnett, M. A., Barnett, M. A., Paschall, K. W., Paschall, K. W., Warren, S., Warren, S., Kopystynska, O., Kopystynska, O., Curran, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2021). RC1: 2021 publication to count #4: Pathways linking parental relationship changes, parental depressive symptoms and observed parenting to young children’s social-emotional development.. Family Relations, 70, 905-920. doi:doi:10.1111/fare.12494
  More info

  2021 update:Barnett, M. A., Paschall, K. W., Kopystynska, O., +Warren, S. M. & Curran, M. A. (2021). Pathways linking parental relationship changes, depressive symptoms, and parenting behaviors to young children’s development. Family Relations, 70, 905-920. doi:10.1111/fare.12494 JFP submission, R&R, no submitJFP new submit, R&R, rejectFR new submit, R&R, revision submitted (2019 update)
• Barnett, M., Barnett, M., Paschall, K., Paschall, K., Kopystynska, O., Kopystynska, O., Warren, S., Warren, S., Curran, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2017). RC1: Links between family instability, young children’s behavior problems and effortful control, parental depressive symptoms and parenting behaviors. Family Relations.
  More info

  2021; now published.Barnett, M. A., Paschall, K. W., Kopystynska, O., +Warren, S. M. & Curran, M. A. (2021). Pathways linking parental relationship changes, depressive symptoms, and parenting behaviors to young children’s development. Family Relations, 70, 905-920. doi:10.1111/fare.12494-2019 updates: R&R at FR; revision submitted in early January, 2020
• Curran, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2021). RC1: 2021 publication to count #3: Cultural similarities and differences in relationship goals in intercultural romantic couples. Journal of Family Issues, 42(4), 813-838. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X20929071
  More info

  Fonseca, A., Ye, T., Curran, M. A., Koyama, J., & Butler, E. (2021). Cultural similarities and differences in relationship goals in intercultural romantic couples. Journal of Family Issues, 42(4), 813-838. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X20929071
• Fonseca, A. L., Koyama, J., Butler, E. A., Ye, T., Koyama, J., Fonseca, A. L., Curran, M. A., & Butler, E. A. (2021). Cultural Similarities and Differences in Relationship Goals in Intercultural Romantic Couples. Journal of Family Issues, 42(4), 813-838. doi:10.1177/0192513x20929071
  More info

  Intercultural romantic relationships and multicultural families have increased in the United States and worldwide. Researchers have found that intercultural couples report high rates of conflict an...
• Li, X., Lebaron, A. B., Kopystynska, O., Curran, M. A., Chandler, A. B., & Barnett, M. A. (2021). RC1: 2021 publication to count #6: Finances, depressive symptoms, destructive conflict, and coparenting among lower-income, unmarried couples: A two-wave, cross-lagged analysis.. Journal of family psychology : JFP : journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 35(4), 489-499. doi:10.1037/fam0000821
  More info

  Curran, M. A., +Li, X., Barnett, M., Kopystynska, O. +Chandler, A., +LeBaron, A. (2021). Finances, depressive symptoms, destructive conflict, and coparenting among lower-income, unmarried couples: A two-wave, cross-lagged analysis. Journal of Family Psychology, 35(4), 489-499. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/fam0000821 Following from an adapted family stress model (FSM), we used two-wave, secondary data from the Building Strong Families project, focusing on 4,424 primarily lower-income, unmarried couples expecting their first child together. We used cross-lagged analyses to test the directionality of the associations among financial difficulties, depressive symptoms, destructive interparental conflict, and coparenting alliance for both fathers and mothers when children were 15 and 36 months old. Two of the three hypotheses provided support for the FSM. First, destructive conflict predicted coparenting alliance (but not the reverse). Specifically, higher destructive conflict at 15 months for both fathers and mothers predicted lower coparenting alliance at 36 months for both fathers and mothers. Second, depressive symptoms predicted destructive conflict (but not the reverse). Specifically, fathers' (but not mothers') higher depressive symptoms at 15 months predicted both their own and mothers' higher destructive conflict at 36 months. Contrary to predictions, financial difficulties did not predict depressive symptoms; instead, we found support for the reverse: For mothers only, higher depressive symptoms at 15 months predicted higher financial difficulties at 36 months. Collectively, the results support the use of the FSM to understand the directionality of associations among key risk factors, especially depressive symptoms and destructive conflict, for primarily lower-income, unmarried couples expecting their first child together. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
• Marshall, C. A., & Curran, M. A. (2021). RC1: 2021 publication to count #7: The evolution of Un Abrazo Para La Familia: Implications for survivors of cancer. Journal of Cancer Education, 36, 1075-1080. doi:doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01737-x
  More info

  Marshall, C.A., Curran, M. A., Trejo, J., +Gonzalez, A., Crist, J., Amin, J., Hamann, H., Badger, T., & Garcia, F. (2021). The evolution of Un Abrazo Para La Familia: Implications for survivors of cancer. Journal of Cancer Education, 36, 1075-1080. doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01737-x
• Pollitt, A., Mernitz, S., Russell, S., Curran, M., & Toomey, R. (2021). RC1: 2021 publication to count #2: Heteronormativity in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer young people. Journal of Homosexuality, 68(3), 522-544. doi:doi: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1656032
  More info

  Pollitt, A. M., Mernitz, S. E., Russell, S. T., Curran, M. A., & Toomey, R. B. (2021). Heteronormativity in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer young people. Journal of Homosexuality, 68(3), 522-544. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1656032 -2019: Accepted at Journal of Homosexuality -Amanda Pollitt has submitted this ms 5 times over two-ish years (4 times rejected and 1 time desk rejected).-Plan is to submit to Journal of Homosexuality in 2019
• Totenhagen, C. J., Li, X., Lebaron-black, A. B., & Curran, M. A. (2021). RC1: 2021 publication to count #5: Introduction to the Special Issue on Couples, Families, and Finance. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 42(2), 215-224. doi:10.1007/s10834-021-09771-7
• Akçabozan Kayabol,, B., Akçabozan Kayabol,, B., Gonzalez, J., Gonzalez, J., Gamble, H., Gamble, H., Totenhagen, C., Totenhagen, C., Curran, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1: #5 pub for 2020 with pg #s: Volatility in daily relationship quality: Roles of daily sacrifice motives and gender. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 37, 2967-2986.
  More info

  Akçabozan Kayabol , N. B., Gonzalez, J. M., Gamble, H., Totenhagen, C. J., & Curran. M. A. (2020). Volatility in daily relationship quality: Roles of daily sacrifice motives and gender. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 37, 2967-2986. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407520945032
• Curran, M. A. (2020). *RC1: Attached document summary of 2020 publications*. *RC1: Attached document summary of 2020 publications*.
• Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1 for 2020. A tale of two samples: Predictors of relational bonadaptation after a financial stressor among lower-income, unmarried couples. Journal of Family and Economic Issues.
  More info

  +LeBaron, A. B., Curran, M. A., +Li, X., Dew, J. P., +Sharp, T. K., & Barnett, M. A. (2020). Financial stressors as catalysts for relational growth: Bonadaptation among lower-income, unmarried couples. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 41, 424-441. doi.org/10.1007/s10834-020-09666-zPrevious:+LeBaron, A., Curran, M. A., +Li, X., Dew, J., +Sharp, T., & Barnett, M. (revise & submit; revision submitted). A tale of two samples: Predictors of relational bonadaptation after a financial stressor among lower-income, unmarried couples. Journal of Family and Economic Issues.
• Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1: #1 pub for 2020 with pg #s: Constructive and destructive interparental conflict, parenting, and coparenting alliance. Journal of Family Psychology, 34, 414-424.
  More info

  #1:Kopystynska, O., Barnett, M., & Curran, M. (2020). Constructive and destructive interparental conflict, parenting, and coparenting alliance. Journal of Family Psychology, 34, 414-424. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000606
• Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1: #3 pub for 2020 with pg #s: Financial stressors as catalysts for relational growth: Bonadaptation among lower-income, unmarried couples. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 41, 424-441.
  More info

  #3:+LeBaron, A. B., Curran, M. A., +Li, X., Dew, J. P., +Sharp, T. K., & Barnett, M. A. (2020). Financial stressors as catalysts for relational growth: Bonadaptation among lower-income, unmarried couples. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 41, 424-441. doi.org/10.1007/s10834-020-09666-z
• Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1: #4 pub for 2020 with pg #s: Gender ideology, work-family conflict, and marital quality among Chinese dual-earner couples: A moderated mediation model. Sex Roles, 83, 622-635.
  More info

  #4:+Li, X., Cao, H., Curran, M. A., Fang, X. Zhou, N. (2020). Gender ideology, work-family conflict, and marital quality among Chinese dual-earner couples: A moderated mediation model. Sex Roles, 83, 622-635.doi.org/10.1007/s11199-020-01125-1
• Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1: #7 pub for 2020 with pg #s: A theoretical model for understanding relationship functioning in intercultural romantic couples. Personal Relationships, 27, 760-784.
  More info

  #7: Fonseca, A., Ye, T., Koyama, J., Curran, M. A., & Butler, E. (2020). A theoretical model for understanding relationship functioning in intercultural romantic couples. Personal Relationships, 27, 760-784.
• Curran, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2020). RC1: #2 pub for 2020 with pg #s: Understanding child behavior problems in young children with previously incarcerated symptoms, relationship quality, and coparentingfathers: Parents’ depressive. Marriage & Family Review, 56, 553-574.
  More info

  #2: +Pech, A., Curran, M. A., Speirs, K., +Li, X., Barnett, M., & Paschall, K. (2020). Understanding child behavior problems in young children with previously incarcerated fathers: Parents’ depressive symptoms, relationship quality, and coparenting. Marriage & Family Review, 56(6), 553-574. doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2020.1728602
• Li, X., Curran, M. A., LeBaron, A., Serido, J., & Shim, S. (2020). RC1: #6 pub for 2020 with pg #s: Romantic attachment orientations, financial behaviors, and life outcomes among young adults: A mediating analysis of a college cohort. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 41, 658-671.
  More info

  #6:+Li, X., Curran, M. A., +LeBaron, A.B., Serido, J., & Shim, S. (2020). Romantic attachment orientations, financial behaviors, and life outcomes among young adults: A mediating analysis of a college cohort. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 41, 658-671. doi.org/10.1007/s10834-020-09664-1
• Pech, A., Pech, A., Curran, M. A., Curran, M. A., Speirs, K., Speirs, K., Li, X., Li, X., Barnett, M., Barnett, M., Paschall, K., & Paschall, K. (2020). RC2: Conditonally accepted pending revisions (but to count in 2020; no pages yet in 2019): Associations between parental depressive symptoms, coparenting, and behavior outcomes in young children with previously incarcerated fathers. RC1 for 2020. Marriage & Family Review.
  More info

  +Pech, A., Curran, M. A., Speirs, K., +Li, X., Barnett, M., & Paschall, K. (2020). Understanding child behavior problems in young children with previously incarcerated fathers: Parents’ depressive symptoms, relationship quality, and coparenting. Marriage & Family Review, 56(6), 553-574. doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2020.1728602
• Curran, M. A. (2019). *RC1: Attached document summary of 2019 publications*. *RC1: Attached document summary of 2019 publications*.
• Li, X., Curran, M. A., Barnett, M., Paschall, K., & Kopystynska, O. (2019). RC1: Pub to count for 2019, #4: Low-income fathers’ and mothers’ pregnancy intentions and family functioning: A person-centered approach.. Journal of Family Psychology.
  More info

  -Now published in 2019 in JFP-We submitted this ms to JMF (rejected). --We then submitted the ms to JMF again (given very nice rejection letter from last time); rejected again. --We submitted the ms to JSPR (rejected by AE Brian Ogolsky).--Now under review at JFP (since Fall 2018).
• Li, X., Curran, M. A., Zhou, N., Serido, J., & Shim, S. (2021). RC1: 2021 publication to count #1 (with date of 2019): Financial behaviors and adult identity: Mediating analyses of a college cohort. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 64, 101049. doi:http://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2019.101049
  More info

  +Li , X., Curran, M. A., Zhou, N., Serido, J., Shim, S., & Cao, H. (2019). Financial behaviors and adult identity: Mediating analyses of a college cohort. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 64, [101049]. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2019.101049.NOTE: Although this one has a 2019 publication date, I have not counted it as part of any of my previous APR submissions. The reason is that I thought this article was in press since 2019, but in fact it was published in 2019 in issue number 64. There are not any page numbers to the article (just the identifier, 101049), which is why I thought this article was still in press (and waiting to be assigned a journal number and page numbers).
• Li, X., Serido, J., Zhou, N., Shim, S., Serido, J., Li, X., Curran, M. A., & Cao, H. (2019). Financial behaviors and adult identity: Mediating analyses of a college cohort. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 64, 101049. doi:10.1016/j.appdev.2019.101049
  More info

  Using mediating analyses with Latent Change Scores (N = 208), we examined (Aim 1) associations from financial behaviors of emerging adults and romantic partners to adult identity (i.e., feeling like an adult; being recognized by others as adult; obtaining adult status), and (Aim 2) the mediating roles of depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction in these associations. We included initial levels and over-time changes in financial behaviors, depressive symptoms, and relationship satisfaction when examining these two aims. For Aim 1, financial behaviors of emerging adults (initial levels and over-time increases) predicted adult identity. For Aim 2, depressive symptoms (initial levels and over-time decreases) mediated associations from financial behaviors of emerging adults and romantic partners (initial levels and over-time increases) to adult identity. Relationship satisfaction (initial levels only) mediated associations from financial behaviors of romantic partners (initial levels and over-time increases) to adult identity. We discussed the implications of our findings.
• Totenhagen, C., Curran, M. A., Serido, J., Wilmarth, M., & Shim, S. (2019). RC1 and RA2: Pub to count for 2019, #1: Pathways from financial knowledge to relationship satisfaction: The roles of financial behaviors, perceived shared financial values with the romantic partner, and debt.. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 423-437.
• Young, V., Burke, T., & Curran, M. A. (2019). RC1 and RA2: Pub to count for 2019, #3: Enacting social control to encourage healthier partner diet and exercise behavior: Considering the roles of constraints and topic avoidance.. Southern Communication Journal, 301-313.
  More info

  Ray, C., Burke, T., Young, V., & Curran, M. A. (2019). Enacting social control to encourage healthier partner diet and exercise behavior: Considering the roles of constraints and topic avoidance. Southern Communication Journal, 84, 301-313. doi:10.1080/1041794X.2019.1644665
• Craig, Z. R., Curran, M. A., Barnett, M. A., Pollitt, A. M., & Helm, S. V. (2017). Differentiating environmental concern in the context of psychological adaptation to climate change. Global Environmental Change, In Press.
  More info

  RC1Listed as in progress in 2016.
• Craig, Z. R., Curran, M. A., Barnett, M. A., Pollitt, A. M., & Helm, S. V. (2018). *Differentiating environmental concern in the context of psychological adaptation to climate change. Global Environmental Change.
  More info

  RC1*Listed as accepted in 2017.
• Curran, M. A. (2018). RC1 relevant document -- 2018 to count on APR publications listed in this word document (FYI). Journals for all 2018 publications.
• Curran, M. A., Emily, P., Ahn, S., Emily, S., & Soyeon, S. (2018). RC1 & RA2: Young adults' life outcomes: Perceived financial influences from parents, the romantic partner, and young adults' own financial behaviors. Journal of Family and Economic Issues.
  More info

  doi: 10.1007/s10834-018-9572-9. Curran, M. A., +Parrott, E., Ahn, S., Serido, J., & Shim, S. (2018). Young adults' life outcomes: Perceived financial influences from parents, the romantic partner, and young adults' own financial behaviors. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 39, 445-456. doi: 10.1007/s10834- 018-9572-9.
• Helm, S. V., Pollitt, A. M., Barnett, M. A., Curran, M. A., & Craig, Z. R. (2018). RC1 and RA2: Differentiating environmental concern in the context of psychological adaptation to climate change. Global Environmental Change, 158-167.
  More info

  Helm, S. +Pollitt, A., Barnett, M., Curran, M. A., & Craig, Z. (2018). Differentiating environmental concern in the context of psychological adaption to climate change. Global Environmental Change, 48, 158-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2017.11.012
• Helm, S., Pollitt, A., Barnett, M., Curran, M. A., & Craig, Z. (2016). RC2 & RA2: Differentiating environmental concern in the context of psychological adaption to climate change (noted for 2017 apr; to count for 2018 apr). Global Environmental Change.
• Akcabozan, B., McDaniel, B., Corkery, S., & Curran, M. (2017). RC1: Gender, sacrifices, and variability in commitment: A daily diary study of pregnant unmarried cohabitors and their male partners (to count as 2017 pub). Sex Roles.
• Akcabozan, B., McDaniel, B., Corkery, S., & Curran, M. A. (2017). RC2 & RA3: Gender, sacrifices, and variability in commitment: A daily diary study of pregnant unmarried cohabitors and their male partners. Sex Roles.
  More info

  +Akcabozan, N. B., +McDaniel, B. T., Corkery, S. A., & Curran, M. A. (2017). Gender, sacrifices, and variability in commitment: A daily diary study of pregnant unmarried cohabitors and their male partners. Sex Roles, 77, 194-208. doi: 10.1007/s11199-016-0716-9
• Cooper, A., Totenhagen, C., Curran, M., Randall, A., & Smith, N. (2017). RC1: Daily relationship quality in same-sex couples: Attachment and sacrifice motives (to count as 2017 pub). Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences.
• Cooper, A., Totenhagen, C., McDaniel, B., & Curran, M. A. (2017). RC1: Volatility in daily relationship quality: The roles of attachment and gender (to count as 2017 pub). Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
• Kopystynska, O., Barnett, M., Paschall, K., & Curran, M. A. (2017). RC1: Patterns of interparental conflict, parenting, and children’s emotional insecurity: A person-centered approach (to count as 2017 pub). Journal of Family Psychology.
• Few-Demo, A., Few-Demo, A., Aine, H., Aine, H., Curran, M. A., Curran, M. A., Sally, L., & Sally, L. (2015). RC1 & TA3 & RA3: Queer theory, intersectionality, and LGBT-parent families: Transformative critical pedagogy in family theory*. Journal of Family Theory & Review.
  More info

  *Counted as accepted in previous APR year of 2015http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jftr.12127/full++Why RA3? --In 2016, this article was chosen /invited by journal editor of JFTR to be featured as broader digital scholarship discussion with educators in United States and beyond (https://www.ncfr.org/jftr/blog). Blog, twitter, and facebook posts all exceeded initial JFTR expectations.++--Sept, 2016 email from editor, Bob Hughes:"At present, In 2016, the article (Few-Demo, et al., March, 2016) is the most downloaded article in the Journal of Family Theory & Review. (532 downloads). In the years 2013-2016, this article is the 4th most downloaded article. In regards to the Blog Discussion, we found the following—608 page views (this roughly corresponds to the number of times they read one or more posts on the blog). The article has an Altmetric score of 12 (this is tweets, blog posts and other social media combined). There were 4500 impressions (views) on Twitter of information about the article. I also am attaching a figure that illustrates the pattern of the downloads for this article compared to the other top 3 articles in this issue of JFTR. "[This figure from Dr. Hughes is attached as part of this entry].
• Niemelä, M., Marshall, C., Kroll, T., Curran, M. A., Koerner, S., Räsänen, S., & Garcia, F. (2015). RC2: A call to action in public health: The need for family-focused preventive interventions with cancer survivors.. American Journal of Public Health.
• Niemelä, M., Marshall, C., Kroll, T., Curran, M. A., Koerner, S., Räsänen, S., & Garcia, F. (2016). RC1 & RA2: A call to action in public health: The need for family-focused preventive interventions with cancer survivors. American Journal of Public Health, 1381-1387.
  More info

  This journal is a very high impact one at 4.552 over 5 years. It is rated as Q1; 5/147 in PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH.
• Young, V., & Curran, M. A. (2016). RC2: Intimacy behaviors and relationship satisfaction for cohabitors: Intimate sacrifices are not always beneficial. Journal of Psychology, 779-792.
  More info

  Guided by interdependence theory, the authors examined how relationship satisfaction is explained by intimate behavior sacrifices in a sample of cohabitors (N D 200). Specifically, it was predicted that characteristics of intimate behavior sacrifices, such as ease and partner appreciation should alter the association of sacrifice frequency and relationship satisfaction. The pattern that emerged demonstrates lower satisfaction for cohabitors when they frequently made intimate sacrifices and their partners were less appreciative of the sacrifices. When making frequent, but less appreciated, intimacy sacrifices for their partner, cohabitors may struggle with intimacy behaviors that are partner oriented.
• Young, V., & Curran, M. A. (2016). RC2: Intimacy behaviors and relationship satisfaction for cohabitors: Intimate sacrifices are not always beneficial. Journal of Psychology.
• Curran, M. A., Burke, T., Young, V., & Totenhagen, C. (2015). RC1: Relational sacrifices about intimate behavior and relationship quality for expectant cohabitors. Marriage and Family Review.
• Curran, M. A., McDaniel, B., Totenhagen, C., & Pollitt, A. (2015). RC1: Gender, power, emotion work, and relationship quality: A daily diary study. Sex Roles.
• Serido, J., Curran, M. A., Wilmarth, M., Ahn, S. Y., & Shim, S. (2015). RC1 & RA4: The unique role of parents and romantic partners on young adults’ financial attitudes and behaviors. Family Relations.
• Totenhagen, C., Curran, M. A., Butler, E., & Serido, J. (2015). RC1: The calm after the storm: Relationship length as associated with couples’ daily variability. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
  More info

  This paper was selected for the journal's podcast series called "Relationship Matters Podcast Series" (see http://spr.sagepub.com/site/podcast/podcast_dir.xhtml)
• Curran, M. A., & Bosch, L. (2014). RC2: Identity style and marriage for pregnant cohabitors as they begin the transition to parenthood*. Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research.
  More info

  10.1080/15283488.2013.858226*Counted as accepted in previous APR year (2013)
• Marshall, C., Curran, M. A., Koerner, S., Hickman, A., & García, F. (2014). RC2: Un Abrazo Para La Familia: An evidenced-based rehabilitation approach in providing cancer education to low-SES Hispanic co-survivors*. Journal of Cancer Education.
  More info

  10.1007/s13187-013-0593-7*Counted as accepted in previous APR year (2013)
• Muraco, J., Totenhagen, C., Corkery, S., & Curran, M. A. (2014). RC1 & TA10: Reflections on family science education: The importance of technology, experience, and diversity in the classroom* (Counted as accepted in previous APR year). Family Science Review.
• Tang, C., Curran, M. A., & Arroyo, A. (2014). RC1: Cohabitors' reasons for living together satisfaction with sacrifice, and relationship quality. Marriage and Family Review.
• Curran, M. A., & Bosch, L. A. (2014). RC1: Identity Style and Marriage for Pregnant Cohabitors as They Begin the Transition to Parenthood. Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research, 43-59.
• Marshall, C. A., Curran, M. A., Koerner, S., Kroll, T., Hickman, A., & Garcia, F. (2013). RC1: Un Abrazo Para La Familia : An Evidenced-Based Rehabilitation Approach in Providing Cancer Education to Low-SES Hispanic Co-Survivors. Journal of Cancer Education.
• Tang, C., & Curran, M. A. (2013). Marital Commitment and Perceptions of Fairness in Household Chores. Journal of Family Issues, 34(12), 1598-1622.
  More info

  Abstract: We examine how three types of marital commitment-personal, structural, and moral-are associated with perceptions of fairness in chores (N = 1,839 married couples or 3,678 spouses). Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, we find distinct relationships by type of marital commitment and gender. For personal commitment, both actor and partner effects were positively associated with wives' perceived fairness of chores, with actor effects more influential to perceptions of fairness for wives versus husbands. For structural commitment, actor and partner effects were negatively associated with husbands' perceived fairness of chores, with actor effects more influential to perceptions of fairness for husbands versus wives. For moral commitment, actor effects were positively associated with husbands' perceived fairness, without any gender differences found. Given that employed wives continue to do the disproportionate amount of housework, we discuss how differences by gender in marital commitment explain perceptions of fairness in household chores. © The Author(s) 2012.
• Young, V., Curran, M., & Totenhagen, C. (2013). A daily diary study: Working to change the relationship and relational uncertainty in understanding positive relationship quality. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 30(1), 132-148.
  More info

  Abstract: We collected daily diary data from 165 couples (N = 330) in romantic relationships to examine how working to change the relationship and relational uncertainty influence positive relationship quality (i.e., closeness, satisfaction, and commitment). We used concepts from the investment model and literature on relationship maintenance and relational uncertainty. As hypothesized, we found a positive association between working to change the relationship and relationship quality. Further, this association was stronger on days in which individuals reported lower relational uncertainty, but significantly weaker on days in which individuals reported higher relational uncertainty. We discuss what it means for individuals to report more positive relationship quality when they make more relational investments and feel more certain about their relationship. © The Author(s) 2012.
• Bosch, L. A., Segrin, C., & Curran, M. A. (2012). Identity Style During the Transition to Adulthood: The Role of Family Communication Patterns, Perceived Support, and Affect. Identity, 12(4), 275-295.
  More info

  Abstract: Young adulthood is a crucial period for identity development and an unclear sense of identity has been associated with deleterious psychological and social outcomes. Using structural equation modeling, this study tested a mediational model that connects family communication patterns (conversation orientation, conformity orientation, conversation × conformity) to identity styles (informational, normative, diffuse-avoidant) to perceptions of social support and affect (positive, negative) in a sample of 275 university students. An informational style was associated with higher levels of conversation orientation, higher levels of conformity orientation, and the interaction between conversation and conformity orientation. A normative style was associated with high conversation orientation and high conformity orientation. A diffuse-avoidant style was associated with conformity orientation alone. In turn, the informational style was positively associated with negative affect; the normative style was positively associated with perceptions of support and negatively with negative affect; and the diffuse-avoidant style was negatively associated with perceptions of support and positively associated with negative affect. Results indicate that identity style partially mediated the association between family communication patterns and perceptions of social support and negative affect. Hence, identity style may represent one mechanism by which the cumulative effects of family communication patterns affect psychosocial outcomes among young adults. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
• Bosch, L., Segrin, C., & Curran, M. (2012). Identity style during the transition to adulthood: The role of family communication patterns, perceived support, and affect. Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research, 12, 275-295.
• Muraco, J. A., & Curran, M. A. (2012). Associations Between Marital Meaning and Reasons to Delay Marriage for Young Adults in Romantic Relationships. Marriage and Family Review, 48(3), 227-247.
  More info

  Abstract: Using symbolic interactionism we developed an open-ended question to examine marital meaning for young adults (N = 111). Themes to emerge were love and commitment. Participants were placed into clusters: contractual (low love, high commitment), optimistic-realistic (high love, high commitment), romanticizing (high love, low commitment), and casual (low love, low commitment). We examined marital meaning and associations with reasons to delay marriage, conceptualized as relational doubts and financial concerns. Optimistic-realistic and casual individuals reported fewer relational doubts than contractual individuals. Longer relationship length was associated with fewer financial concerns for optimistic-realistic individuals when compared with all others. We conclude that although love and commitment are central to marital meaning, for some, specific pairings of these themes have implications in understanding reasons young adults delay marrying. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
• Muraco, J., & Curran, M. (2012). Marital meaning and reasons for delaying marriage. Marriage and Family Review, 48, 227-247.
• Ruppel, E. K., & Curran, M. A. (2012). Relational sacrifices in romantic relationships: Satisfaction and the moderating role of attachment. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 29(4), 508-529.
  More info

  Abstract: Using interdependence and attachment theories, we examined the influence of attachment orientations on the association between relational sacrifices and relationship satisfaction. Romantic partners (N = 332) completed a one-time measure of attachment orientations and daily measures of relationship satisfaction and number and difficulty of relational sacrifices over 4-10 days. Difficulty of own and partner's sacrifices was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, and own daily number of sacrifices was positively associated with relationship satisfaction. However, these associations were stronger for individuals lower in attachment anxiety (for own sacrifices) or avoidance (for partner's sacrifices). The findings suggest that associations between relational sacrifice and relationship satisfaction are contingent on attachment orientations and that frequent, easy sacrifices might be most beneficial to relationships. © The Author(s) 2012.
• Swartz, N. E., Mercier, D. J., & Curran, M. A. (2012). Influences of Childhood Abuse on Parenting Perspectives of Pregnant Cohabitors. Journal of Family Violence, 27(5), 597-606.
  More info

  Abstract: Using thematic analysis, we examine the effects of childhood abuse regarding parenthood for pregnant cohabitors from qualitative interviews. Participants (N = 18; 10 women and 8 men) recalled childhood abuse during the Adult Attachment Interview. Three themes emerged: (1) "Learning what not to do," whereby abuse is discussed as something not to continue, and harmful toward children; (2) "Use but modify parents' discipline," whereby individuals state that they will employ methods of their parents, but in ways different for their children; and (3) "Ambiguous," whereby discussions are unclear and confused about how the abuse will affect their parenting. These results suggest that even when pregnant cohabitors want to parent differently than their own parents, they may not have relevant models or skills. For practitioners, we suggest interventions aimed at providing alternative models for how to parent, and effective and appropriate disciplining methods, as ways to deter intergenerational abuse. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
• Swartz, N. E., Mercier, D. J., & Curran, M. A. (2012). Influences of Childhood Abuse on Parenting Perspectives of Pregnant Cohabitors. Journal of Family Violence, 27(6), 597-606.
  More info

  Abstract: Using thematic analysis, we examine the effects of childhood abuse regarding parenthood for pregnant cohabitors from qualitative interviews. Participants (N = 18; 10 women and 8 men) recalled childhood abuse during the Adult Attachment Interview. Three themes emerged: (1) "Learning what not to do," whereby abuse is discussed as something not to continue, and harmful toward children; (2) "Use but modify parents' discipline," whereby individuals state that they will employ methods of their parents, but in ways different for their children; and (3) "Ambiguous," whereby discussions are unclear and confused about how the abuse will affect their parenting. These results suggest that even when pregnant cohabitors want to parent differently than their own parents, they may not have relevant models or skills. For practitioners, we suggest interventions aimed at providing alternative models for how to parent, and effective and appropriate disciplining methods, as ways to deter intergenerational abuse. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
• Totenhagen, C., Serido, J., Curran, M., & Butler, E. (2012). Daily hassles and uplifts: A diary study on understanding relationship quality. Journal of Family Psychology, 26, 719-728.
• Young, V., Curran, M., & Totenhagen, C. (2012). A daily diary study: Working to change the relationship and relational uncertainty in understanding positive relationship quality. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 30, 132-148.
• Bosch, L. A., & Curran, M. A. (2011). Identity style and relationship quality for pregnant cohabitating couples during the transition to parenthood. Identity, 11(1), 47-63.
  More info

  Abstract: In this study, we tested the association between identity formation and intimacy formation in a diverse sample of pregnant cohabitating couples (N=127 individuals). Using S. K. Whitbourne's identity process theory, we examined how identity style (balanced, accommodative, assimilative) is associated with various aspects of relationship quality. As hypothesized, a balanced identity style (ability to maintain self-stability while retaining flexibility) is associated with positive relationship quality (higher relational maintenance), whereas an accommodative identity style (reliance on external sources of authority for inner guidance) is associated with negative relationship quality (lower commitment, lower satisfaction, lower love, higher conflict, higher ambivalence). Consistent with E. H. Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, individuals high on accommodative identity style report difficulty negotiating many aspects of their romantic relationship, a pattern that may serve to exacerbate the stress typically associated with the transition to parenthood for cohabiting couples. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
• Corkery, S. A., Curran, M. A., & Benavides, R. A. (2011). "Me" and "We": How Expectant Cohabitors Talk about Economic Difficulty. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 21(8), 978-994.
  More info

  Abstract: "Me" and "we" talk, as indicators of outcome considerations, is examined for expectant, unmarried cohabitors (N = 36). Grounded in social exchange and interdependence theories, "me" talk reflects individualism while "we" talk reflects collectivism (e.g., outcome consideration beyond self). Having interviewed cohabitors about effects of the difficult economy, we coded discussions for "me" and "we" talk revealing four groups: (1) Exclusively "We" (61.1%); (2) Primarily "We" (25%); (3) Equal "Me" and "We" (11.1%); and (4) Exclusively "Me" (
• Corkery, S. A., Curran, M. A., & Parkman, A. (2011). Spirituality, sacrifice, and relationship quality for expectant cohabitors. Marriage and Family Review, 47(6), 345-362.
  More info

  Abstract: Given negative effects of cohabitation, we examine negative (ambivalence, conflict) and positive (commitment, satisfaction) relationship quality, as explained by perceptions of ease of relational sacrifices and spirituality, for unmarried cohabitors expecting their first child (46 individuals). Controlling for race=ethnicity and education, perceived ease of relational sacrifice was associated with greater satisfaction and lower ambivalence and conflict, whereas spirituality was not associated with any of the relationship quality variables. Examined together, greater ease of relational sacrifice and higher spirituality were associated with greater commitment and satisfaction and lower ambivalence and conflict. Given that many studies of cohabitation focus on demographic factors and that many studies of spirituality focus on married couples, the current study expands knowledge regarding relationship quality for nontraditional couples. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
• Corkery, S., Curran, M., & Benavides, R. (2011). RC1: Me and we: How expectant cohabitors talk about economic difficulty. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 21, 978-994.
• Corkery, S., Curran, M., & Parkman, A. (2011). RC1: Relational quality of expectant cohabitors: The roles of relational sacrifice and spirituality. Marriage and Family Review, 47, 345-362.
• Curran, M., Corkery, S., & Post, J. (2011). RC1: Partner commitment, gender, and depressive symptoms for expectant cohabitors. Family Science, 1, 222-229.
• Curran, M., Ogolsky, B., Hazen, N., & Bosch, L. (2011). Understanding marital conflict 7 years later from prenatal representations of marriage. Family Process, 50(2), 221-234.
  More info

  PMID: 21564062;Abstract: We examine how representations of marriage, assessed prenatally, predict different types of marital conflict (cooperation, avoidance/capitulation, stonewalling, and child involvement in parental conflict) at 7 years postpartum (N=132 individuals). We assessed representations of marriage prenatally by interviewing spouses about their own parents' marriage, and then rated the content and insightfulness of their memories. Results show that marital representations characterized by higher insight predict higher cooperation and lower child involvement in parental conflict, whereas content of marital representations was not a significant predictor of marital conflict. Further, individuals who remember negative memories from their parents' marriage with high insight were lowest on child involvement in parental conflict, whereas those who remember negative memories with low insight were highest on child involvement in parental conflict. Finally, women who remember negative content with high insight report the highest cooperation, whereas women who remember negative content with low insight report the lowest cooperation. For men, however, marital representations were less effective in predicting later cooperation. We conclude that marital representations, even when assessed prenatally, influence certain types of marital conflict 7 years later. Using such findings, therapists could help spouses gain insight into how the memories of their parents' marriage relate to the use of specific conflict strategies in their marriage. 2011 © FPI, Inc.
• Marshall, C., Larkey, L., Curran, M., Weihs, K., Badger, T., Armin, J., & , F. (2011). Considerations of culture and social class for families facing cancer: The need for a new model for health promotion and psychosocial interventio. Families, Systems, and Health, 29, 81-94.
• Marshall, C., Weihs, K., Garcia, F., Larkey, L., Badger, T., Koerner, S., Curran, M., & Pedroza, R. (2011). Like a Mexican wedding: The psychosocial intervention needs of low-income families facing cancer. Journal of Family Nursing, 17, 380-40.
• Totenhagen, C. J., & Curran, M. A. (2011). Daily hassles, sacrifices, and relationship quality for pregnant cohabitors. Family Science, 2(1), 68-72.
  More info

  Abstract: We use daily diaries to test how relational sacrifices and hassles are associated with relationship satisfaction in a community sample of pregnant, unmarried, cohabitors (n = 34 individuals, or 17 couples). We found that on days when women reported more hassles than usual, their increased daily sacrifices were associated with declines in relationship quality for their male partners, but not for themselves. We discuss reasons why women's own relationship satisfaction is not affected by making greater relational sacrifices on days characterized by higher hassles, such as the possibility that unmarried pregnant women may retain positive illusions of their relationships given the potential costs of breaking up. The results of the present study are of practical use for clinicians working with unmarried pregnant couples to preserve relationship quality - an especially important goal given potential instability and ambiguity involved in these unions. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.
• Totenhagen, C., & Curran, M. (2011). RC1: Daily hassles, sacrifices, and relationship quality in pregnant cohabitors. Family Science, 2, 68-72.
• Curran, M. A., Corkery, S. A., & Post, J. H. (2010). Partner commitment, gender, and depressive symptoms for expectant cohabitors. Family Science, 1(3-4), 222-229.
  More info

  Abstract: Using the inertia model, we test how personal commitment is associated with depressive symptoms in a sample of coupled male and female cohabitors expecting their first child together in the United States (N = 128 individuals). Using an Actor Partner Interdependence Model, we find, as expected, higher depressive symptoms are reported by women whose male partners are lower on personal commitment. To identify and understand individuals most at risk for depressive symptoms, we discuss the need to study gender in combination with partner commitment in a population of individuals who are increasingly growing in prevalence in the United States. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
• Curran, M. A., Utley, E. A., & Muraco, J. A. (2010). An exploratory study of the meaning of marriage for African Americans. Marriage and Family Review, 46(5), 346-365.
  More info

  Abstract: Using specific tenets from symbolic interactionism as a frame, we asked 31 African Americans (18 women and 13 men) including students as well as nonstudents, across a variety of types of relationships and ages, what marriage meant to them. Two major themes, commitment and love, emerged from qualitative content analysis of the meaning of marriage. Other themes, including partnership= friendship, trust, family, and covenant, also emerged as themes, although less frequently. The overwhelming meanings of marriage were positive, with only a few negative instances (i.e., marriage as unnecessary and not fulfilling). Supportive qualitative data are presented for each theme. We discuss implications for the meaning of marriage for African Americans.
• Curran, M., Ogolsky, B., Hazen, N., & Bosch, L. (2010). Predicting marital conflict seven years later from prenatal representations of marriage. Family Process.
• Curran, M. A., Hazen, N. L., & Mann, T. (2009). Representations of marriage and expectations of parenthood: Predictors of supportive coparenting for first-time parents. Parenting, 9(1-2), 101-122.
  More info

  Abstract: Objective. We examine how spouses' representations of marriage and expectations about first-time parenthood predict support of the other spouse's parenting in postpartum triadic family interactions. Design. Prenatally, spouses' representations of marriage were assessed based on the content and insightfulness of memories from their parents' marriage, and spouses also rated their expectations about parenthood. At 24 months postpartum, partners were each rated on support of their spouse's parenting. Results. In general, individuals' higher expectations that their personal well-being would improve following first-time parenthood predicted lower support of the partners' parenting. But this effect was modified by individuals' marital representations, indicating that potential disillusionment due to unrealistically high expectations may be mitigated by having the insight to learn from the negative marital relationships of one's parents. Conclusions. What partners bring to the transition to parenthood, including how they expect it to affect their lives and how they represent marital relationships, have important effects on supportive coparenting for first-time parents.
• Surra, C. A., Curran, M. A., & Williams, K. (2009). Effects of participation in a longitudinal study of dating. Personal Relationships, 16(1), 1-21.
  More info

  Abstract: Participation in interviews has the potential to change beliefs about dating relationships. Changes in beliefs should vary as a function of how much participants think and talk about their relationships. Participants (N = 464) were randomly selected for an interview study from households in a large Southwestern U.S. city. Participation should have positive effects on beliefs when thinking or talking is high and negative effects when thinking or talking is low. As predicted, talking moderates the association between participation and conflict, and thinking moderates the effects of participation on satisfaction and friendship-based love. Results differed for men and women. Under conditions of low talk and high thinking, participation has negative effects. Implications of the effects of participation are discussed. © 2009 IARR.
• Curran, M., Hazen, N., Jacobvitz, D., & Sasaki, T. (2006). How representations of the parental marriage predict marital emotional attunement during the transition to parenthood. Journal of Family Psychology, 20(3), 477-484.
  More info

  PMID: 16938006;Abstract: Emotional attunement (i.e., couples' dyadic emotional connectedness and responsiveness) was examined in 86 couples across the transition to parenthood. After controlling for prenatal emotional attunement and verbal ability, the authors found that prenatal assessments of husbands' and wives' representations of their parents' marriage (i.e., content and insightfulness) predicted emotional attunement between partners 24 months postpartum. There was a trend for husbands and a statistically significant relationship for wives who insightfully recalled disharmonious content to show greater residualized postnatal emotional attunement compared with other husbands and wives, suggesting that anticipating marital problems following the transition to parenthood may increase attention to maintaining the marriage. In contrast, wives who recalled disharmonious content with low insight showed the lowest residualized postnatal scores for emotional attunement. Copyright 2006 by the American Psychological Association.
• Curran, M., Hazen, N., Jacobvitz, D., & Feldman, A. (2005). Representations of early family relationships predict marital maintenance during the transition to parenthood. Journal of Family Psychology, 19(2), 189-197.
  More info

  PMID: 15982094;Abstract: Marital maintenance, which involves engaging in behaviors that maintain closeness and is critical to sustaining marital satisfaction, was examined in 234 husbands and wives across the transition to parenthood. Prenatal assessments of adults' attachment representations and memories of their parents' marriage during childhood predicted perceptions of maintenance in their own marriage prenatally and 24 months postpartum. Adults who dismiss the importance of early attachment and lack believable memories of their parents' marriage reported the lowest levels of prenatal maintenance. Adults who are preoccupied with their early relationships with parents and have negative memories of their parents' marriage reported the sharpest declines in maintenance postpartum. Family interventions that can help couples recognize and explore problems that may accompany parenthood are discussed. Copyright 2005 by the American Psychological Association.
• Jacobvitz, D., Hazen, N., Curran, M., & Hitchens, K. (2004). Observations of early triadic family interactions: Boundary disturbances in the family predict symptoms of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in middle childhood. Development and Psychopathology, 16(3), 577-592.
  More info

  PMID: 15605626;Abstract: This article argues for the importance of focusing explicitly on the construct of boundary disturbances in families to understand the development of depressive, anxious, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in middle childhood. Grounded in family systems theory, this study examined traditional parent-child antecedents of childhood depression and anxiety (hostile, controlling, and disengaged interactions) in the context of the entire family as well as enmeshed patterns, whereby one parent drew in the child by turning to the child for caregiving or intimacy and excluded the spouse, and balanced patterns, whereby all family members expressed vulnerabilities and asserted their needs or desires. Mostly White, middle-class mothers, fathers, and children were observed at home interacting on a series of everyday tasks when the children were 24 months old, and mothers and teachers rated children's symptoms of anxiety, depression, somatic problems, and ADHD at age 7. Regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for maternal depression and the effects of other family patterns, enmeshed family patterns forecast children's depressive symptoms; controlling and disengaged interactions predicted anxious and depressive symptoms; and hostility forecast ADHD and somatic complaints. Intriguing gender differences emerged. As predicted, whereas boys who experienced enmeshed family patterns more often developed symptoms of ADHD, girls who experienced enmeshed family interactions later showed symptoms of depression. Copyright © 2004 Cambridge University Press.
• Jacobvitz, D., Curran, M., & Moller, N. (2002). Measurement of adult attachment: The place of self-report and interview methodologies. Attachment and Human Development, 4(2), 207-215.
  More info

  PMID: 12467514;
• Biner, P. M., Huffman, M. L., Curran, M. A., & Long, K. R. (1998). Illusory control as a function of motivation for a specific outcome in a chance-based situation. Motivation and Emotion, 22(4), 277-291.
  More info

  Abstract: Previous research has provided evidence that an individual's need for a chance-based outcome positively affects perceptions of the skill involved in attaining the outcome as well as certainty of winning. Two experiments were conducted to test several competing alternative interpretations for this effect. In Experiment 1, food-satiated (low-need) and food-deprived (high-need) subjects were given the opportunity to win a food incentive in a chance-based card-drawing game either in the presence or absence of situational cues previously shown to induce skill orientations. Skill and confidence-in-winning ratings were found to be positive function of outcome need regardless of the cues condition, thus not supporting an attentional or vigilance interpretation of the general effect. In Experiment 2, food-satiated and food-deprived subjects faced a similar card-drawing game, but this time were given the opportunity to choose whether or not they wanted to be personally involved in various facets of the game (e.g., shuffling the cards). As predicted, high-need subjects showed a greater propensity to want to be personally involved in playing the game, a finding offering support for a "control" interpretation. Overall results are discussed in terms of control theory.

Presentations

• Curran, M. A. (2019, November). RC2: Presentation: Testing BSF intervention effects on co-parenting: A latent variable approach with destructive conflict as a mediator. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Conference. Philadelphia, PA and then this conference was moved to a virtual conference due to COVID-19..
  More info

  +Chandler, A. B., Curran, M. A., Sbarra, D. A., Hamann, H. A., & O’Connor, M-F. (2020, November). Testing BSF intervention effects on co-parenting: A latent variable approach with destructive conflict as a mediator. Paper presented at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Conference, Philadelphia, PA. [This conference was moved to a virtual conference due to COVID-19].
• Curran, M. A. (2020, November). RC2: Symposia presentation: Family financial socialization profiles and emerging adult financial wellbeing.. National Council on Family Relations. St. Louis / moved to online given COVID-19 issues.
  More info

  +LeBaron, A. B., Curran, M. A., Hill, E. J., Freeh, M., Toomey, R., & Speirs, K. (2020, March). Family financial socialization profiles and emerging adult financial wellbeing. In J. Ballard (Chair), Financial wellbeing. Symposium presented at the National Council on Family Relations, St. Louis, MO. [This conference was now a virtual one due to COVID-19].
• Curran, M. A. (2019, March). RC2: Symposia presentation: Unmarried fathers of young children: Correlates, consequences, and contributions. Society for Research in Child Development.
  More info

  Barnett, M., +Warren, S., Kopystynska, O., & Curran, M. A. (2019, March). Associations among neighborhood disorder, unmarried fathers’ parenting and coparenting, and young children’s development. In G. Brown (Chair), Unmarried fathers of young children: Correlates, consequences, and contributions. Presented at the Society for Research in Child Development, Baltimore, MD.
• Curran, M. A. (2019, November). RC2: Presentation: Surviving Christian Grey: Identifying relational variables. National Communication Association. Baltimore.
  More info

  O’Byrne, M., Swiatkowski, P., & Curran, M. A. (2019, November). Surviving Christian Grey: Identifying relational variables. Poster presented at the National Communication Association, Baltimore, MD.
• Curran, M. A. (2019, November). RC2: Symposia presentation: Couple relationships and individual well-being. National Council on Family Relations. Fort Worth.
  More info

  +Li, X., Curran, M. A., Zhou, N., Serido, J., & Shim, S. (2019, November). Financial behaviors, depressive symptoms, relationship satisfaction, and adult identity: Latent change score analyses. In J. Yan (Chair), Couple relationships and individual well-being. Symposium to be presented at the National Council on Family Relations, Fort Worth, TX.
• Curran, M. A. (2019, November). RC2: Symposia presentation: Financial considerations for supporting romantic relationships and family sustainability. National Council on Family Relations. Fort Worth.
  More info

  +LeBaron, A. B., Curran, M. A., +Li, X., Dew, J. P., +Sharp, T., & Barnett, M. A. (2019, November). A tale of two samples: Predictors of relational bonadaptation after a financial stressor among lower-income, unmarried couples. In M. Wilmarth & A. LeBaron (Chairs), Financial considerations for supporting romantic relationships and family sustainability. Symposium to be presented at the National Council on Family Relations, Fort Worth, TX.
• Curran, M. A. (2019, November). RC2: Symposia presentation: Unmarried fathers of young children: Correlates, consequences, and contributions. National Council on Family Relations. Society for Research in Child Development.
  More info

  Barnett, M., +Warren, S., Kopystynska, O., & Curran, M. A. (2019, March). Associations among neighborhood disorder, unmarried fathers’ parenting and coparenting, and young children’s development. In G. Brown (Chair), Unmarried fathers of young children: Correlates, consequences, and contributions. Presented at the Society for Research in Child Development, Baltimore, MD.
• Curran, M. A. (2019, Summer). RC2: Presentation: Tripartite commitment and relationship quality: A person-centered approach. International Association for Relationship Research. Ottawa, Canada.
  More info

  Jin, M. K., +Li, X., Corkery, S. & Curran, M. A. (2019, June). Tripartite commitment and relationship quality: A person-centered approach. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research, Ottawa, Canada.
• Brunner, S., Curran, M. A., & Ruiz, J. (2018, November). RC2: Presention (completed): Dear Solomon, Dear Prudence: Using student written advice responses to demonstrate theory application. National Communication Association. Salt Lake City.
• Curran, M. A., & Burke, T. (2018, July). RC2: Presention (completed): Laying the groundwork for a successful career in relationship science. International Association for Relationship Research (IARR).
  More info

  Curran, M.A. (2018, July). Laying the groundwork for a successful career in relationship science. Invited discussant at the New Scholars Workshop, International Association for Relationship Research, Fort Collins, CO.
• Curran, M. A., & Parrott, E. (2018, November). RC2 (completed): Finances and romantic relationships [symposium co-organization with Emily Parrott]. National Council on Family Relations. San Diego.
• Curran, M. A., Li, X., Barnett, M., & Kopystynska, O. (2018, July). RC2: Presention (completed): Paternal and maternal pregnancy intentions and family functioning among low-income, unmarried couples: A person-centered approach. International Association for Relationship Research (IARR).
• Grossman, A., Toomey, R. B., Curran, M. A., Russell, S. T., & Pollitt, A. (2018, April). Inside and outside: Heteronormativity, gender, and health in the lives of bi/sexual minority youth. Society for Research on Adolescence Biennial Meeting. Minneapolis, MN: Society for Research on Adolescence.
• Kopystynska, O., Barnett, M., Beck, C., & Curran, M. A. (2018, November). RC2: Presention (completed): Parents’ destructive conflict, violence, and child emotional insecurity. National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). San Diego.
• Kopystynska, O., Barnett, M., Curran, M. A., & Li, X. (2018, October). RC2: Presention (completed): Constructive and destructive interparental conflict, parenting, and coparenting alliance. Society for Research in Child Development DEVSEC (Conference on the Use of Secondary and Open Source Data in Developmental Science). Phoenix.
• Kopystynska, O., Paschall, K., Barnett, M., & Curran, M. a. (2018, January). RC2 (completed): Patterns of interparental conflict, parenting, and children's emotional insecurity: A person-centered approach (part of symposium). Annual Conference of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Arizona Chapter. Sedona.
• Li, X., Curran, M. A., Ahn, S., Serido, J., & Shim, S. (2018, July). RC2: Presention (completed): Romantic partner financial behavior, depressive symptoms, and relationship satisfaction: The moderating roles of gender and attachment. International Association for Relationship Research (IARR).
• Li, X., Curran, M. A., Paschall, K., & Barnett, M. (2018, November). RC2: Presention (completed): Antecedents for relationship statuses transitions among low-income, unmarried parents. National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). San Diego.
• Li, X., Curran, M. A., Serido, J., & Shim, S. (2018, November). RC2 (completed): Young adults’ life outcomes: Attachment styles, young adults’ own financial behaviors, and perceived financial socialization from the romantic partner (part of symposium). National Council on Family Relations. San Diego.
• Pollitt, a., russell, s., Toomey, r., & curran, m. a. (2018, April). RC2 (completed): Inside and outside: Heteronormativity, gender, and health in the lives of bi/sexual minority youth (part of symposium). Society for Research on Adolescence. Minneapolis.
• Rodas, J., Romero, A., Toomey, R., & Curran, M. A. (2018, July). RC2: Presention (completed): The association between ambiguous loss of family relationships and depressive symptoms among Latino youth. Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA). Minneapolis.
• Totenhagen, C., Betancourt, J., Curran, M. A., Randall, A., & Wilmarth, M. (2018, July). RC2: Presention (completed): A daily diary study of sacrifices and commitment: Testing direction of effects. International Association for Relationship Research (IARR).
• Young, V., Lents, K., & Curran, M. A. (2018, November). RC2: Presention (completed): Interpersonal effects of health-related social control: An examination of dyadic influence, partner behavior change, and relationship quality. National Communication Association. Salt Lake City.
• Barnett, M., & Curran, M. A. (2017, November). RC2: Fathers’ and mothers’ coparenting and parenting in family systems (symposium). National Council on Family Relations. Orlando.
  More info

  Barnett, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2017, November). Fathers’ and mothers’ coparenting and parenting in family systems. Symposium presented at the meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Orlando, FL.
• Barnett, M., Curran, M. A., Kopystynska, O., Pech, A., & Warren, S. (2017, November). RC2: Coparenting alliance and parenting behaviors: Links with children’s development. National Council on Family Relations. Orlando.
  More info

  Barnett, M. A. Curran, M. A. +Kopystynska, O., +Pech, A., & +Warren, S. (2017, November). Coparenting alliance and parenting behaviors: Links with children’s development. In M.A. Barnett and M.A. Curran (Chairs), Fathers’ and mothers’ coparenting and parenting in family systems. Symposium presented at the meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Orlando, FL.
• Curran, M. A. (2017, November). RC2: Perceived financial influences and young adults’ life outcomes. National Council on Family Relations. Orlando.
  More info

  Curran, M.A., Serido, J., Ahn, S., & +Parrott, E. (2017, November). Perceived financial influences and young adults’ life outcomes. In M.A. Curran and J. Serido (Chairs), Relationships and finances: Multiple influences and multiple outcomes. Symposium presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
• Curran, M. A. (2017, november). RC2: Ambiguous loss: How not all losses can be resolved and how to create new family meaning. National Council on Family Relations. orlando.
  More info

  Curran, M. A. (2017, November). Ambiguous loss: How not all losses can be resolved and how to create new family meaning. In M. A. Curran & A. Few-Demo (Chairs), Engagement in classroom activities for the teaching of family theories: Ambiguous loss, conflict, feminism, intersectionality, and queer theories. Symposium presented at the meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Orlando, FL.
• Curran, M. A. (2017, summer). RC2: Making the most out of your conference; tips for networking (invited). New Scholars Workshop, International Association for Relationship Research. syracuse.
• Curran, M. A., & Barnett, M. (2016, Summer & Fall). RC2: Interim and final presentations to funding agency of Health and Human Services submitted for Building Strong Families project. Conference call Spring 2016 & Final presentation in DC Summer 2016. DC.
  More info

  Final presentation title:Different Forms of Family Instability: Key Mechanisms Linking Family Strengthening Interventions, Family Functioning and Child WellbeingFinal presentation abstract:Background / Justification: Family instability is a significant risk factor for children’s cognitive, behavioral and emotional development, often because it undermines effective parenting practices and parental functioning. Recent policy and intervention efforts have been targeted at increasing family stability, often defined as parental marital relationship stability. However, this approach to strengthening families ignores other forms of family instability that likely undermine attempts to foster positive family functioning. Goals: The primary goal of this secondary data analysis was to examine how participation in the Building Strong Families (BSF) program, a federally funded relationship intervention program for unmarried parents expecting or recently having their first child together, caused families to experience reductions in three different forms of family instability (i.e., financial, family structure, romantic relationship quality). Another goal was to link those forms of family instability to child development at age three via increased father involvement and higher quality coparenting. Results: The results indicate no effects of intervention participation on family instability. Two forms of family instability, romantic relationship quality instability and family structure instability, were associated with reduced coparenting quality, reduced caregiving engagement by fathers, and increased financial contributions by fathers. The three family instability indexes were not directly or indirectly associated with child outcomes. Instead, higher coparenting quality was associated with lower behavior problems in children. In contrast, higher father harsh parenting was associated with higher behavior problems and lower language skills for children. Other findings for father involvement and child outcomes were more mixed. Implications: This pattern of results illustrates which types of family instability (i.e., romantic relationship quality and family structure versus financial) explain greater coparenting and father involvement, and how coparenting and father involvement are linked with distinct child outcomes among economically disadvantaged families across the transition to parenthood.
• Curran, M. A., & Few-Demo, A. (2017, November). RC2: Engagement in classroom activities for the teaching of family theories: Ambiguous loss, conflict, feminism, intersectionality, and queer theories (symposium chairs). National Council on Family Relations,. Orlando.
• Curran, M. A., & Serido, J. (2017, November). RC2: Relationships and finances: Multiple influences and multiple outcomes (symposium). National Council on Family Relations. orlando.
  More info

  Curran, M. A. & Serido, J, April (2017, November). Relationships and finances: Multiple influences and multiple outcomes. Symposium presented at the meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Orlando, FL
• Curran, M. A., Barnett, M., Paschall, K., & Kopystynska, O. (2017, April). RC2: Interactions among the quality and quantity of fathers’ parenting: Links to young children’s development (part of paper symposium). Society for Research in Child Development (April 2017). Austin, Texas.
• Curran, M. A., Kuvalanka, K., & Oswald, R. (2017, november). RC2: Engaging students to think beyond binaries and privilege. National Council on Family Relations. orlando.
  More info

  Curran, M. A., Kuvalanka, K., & Oswald, R. (2017, November). Engaging students to think beyond binaries and privilege. In M. A. Curran & A. Few-Demo (Chairs), Engagement in classroom activities for the teaching of family theories: Ambiguous loss, conflict, feminism, intersectionality, and queer theories. Symposium presented at the meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Orlando, FL.
• Ahn, S., Curran, M. A., & Serido, J. (2016, November). RC2: Financial instability and satisfaction: The Influence of shared versus conflictual financial values with romantic partners. National Council on Family Relations.
• Akcabozan, B., McDaniel, B., Corkery, S., & Curran, M. A. (2016, July). RC2: Gender, sacrifices, and commitment: A daily diary study of pregnant unmarried cohabitors and their male partners.. International Association of Relationship Research. Toronto, Canada.
• Barnett, M. A., Curran, M. A., & Paschall, K. W. (2016, November). Multidimensional approaches to family instability across the transition to parenthood.. Annual Meeting of National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN: National Council on Family Relations.
  More info

  RC2Paper presented in a symposium co-organized by Curran & Barnett.
• Barnett, M. A., Curran, M. A., Barnett, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2016, November). Instability in Diverse Families. Annual Meeting of the National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN: National Council on Family Relations.
  More info

  RC2Paper symposium co-chaired.Curran, M.A., & Barnett, M.A. (2016, November). Instability in Diverse Families.(Discussant: Cass Dorius). Paper symposium presented at the Annual Conference of the National Council on Family Relations, Minneapolis, MN.
• Barnett, M., Curran, M. A., & Paschall, K. (2016, November). RC2: Multidimensional approaches to family instability across the transition to parenthood. National Council on Family Relations.
• Barnett, M., Paschall, K., & Curran, M. A. (2016, July). RC2: Multiple dimensions of fathers’ parenting: Links to children’s behavior problems and language development. Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) National Research Conference on Early Childhood. DC.
• Curran, M. A., & Barnett, M. (2016, November). RC2 & RA3: Family instability in diverse families (Paper Symposium). National Council on Family Relations.
• Curran, M. A., Serido, J., & Ahn, S. (2016, November). RC2 & RA2: What happens in romantic relationships when money is tight? (Poster symposium). National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN.
• Few-Demo, A., Humble, A., Curran, M. A., & Lloyd, S. (2016, November). RC2: Strategies for using a queer, intersectional lens to teach family theories (Roundtable). National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN.
• Galovan, A., McDaniel, B., & Curran, M. A. (2016, July). RC2: Daily similarity in couple emotion work and relationship quality. International Association of Relationship Research. Toronto, Canada.
• Galovan, A., McDaniel, B., Curran, M. A., & Ledermann, T. (2016, September). RC2: Variations of within-dyad similarity: A daily diary example with couple emotion work. Third Biennial Developmental Methods Conference. Whitefish, MT.
• Gonzalez, J., Akcabozan, B., Gamble, H., & Curran, M. A. (2016, November). RC2: Variability in daily relationship quality: Roles of daily sacrifice motives and gender. National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN.
• Helm, S., Pollitt, A., Barnett, M., & Curran, M. A. (2016, November). RC2 & RA2: Examining parents’ environmental values, coping strategies and behavior. National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN.
• McDaniel, B., Sprecher, S., Curran, M. A., & Galovan, A. (2016, November). RC2: Do you want me? The interplay between sex, sexual desire, and daily sexual satisfaction in heterosexual couples. National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN.
• Reilly, A., Oswald, R., Routon, J., McGuire, J., Grafsky, E., Zvonkovic, A., Toomey, R. B., Cuthbertson, C., Paceley, M., Walsh, M. E., & Curran, M. A. (2016, March). Development of a theoretical model to study LGBT people living in rural areas in the United States of America.. Rural Development conference. Bangkok, Thailand.
  More info

  [RC2/RA2] Based on work from the multi-state development collaborative
• Reilly, A., Oswald, R., Routon, J., McGuire, J., Grafsky, E., Zvonkovic, A., Toomey, R. B., Cuthbertson, C., Paceley, M., Walsh, M. E., & Curran, M. A. (2016, March). RC2 & RA2: Development of a theoretical model to study LGBT people living in rural areas in the United States of America.. Rural Development conference. Bangkok, Thailand.
• Tang, C., Curran, M. A., & Ervin, J. (2016, July). RC2: Do you know how much I sacrificed for you? Concurrent and lagged attribution of relational sacrifices and relationship quality. International Association of Relationship Research. Toronto, Canada.
• Akcabozan, B., Chavez, C., Pech, A., & Curran, M. A. (2015, November). RC2: Actor and partner attachment styles and relationship quality for cohabitors. National Council on Family Relations. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: National Council on Family Relations.
• Akcabozan, B., Young, V., & Curran, M. A. (2015, June). RC2: Perceived appreciation of intimate sacrifices and depressive symptoms for cohabitors. International Association of Relationship Research. New Brunswick, NJ.: International Association for Relationship Research.
• Cooper, A., Totenhagen, C., Curran, M. A., Randall, A., & Smith, N. (2015, November). RC2 & RA4: Daily relationship quality in same-sex couples: Attachment and sacrifices (RECEIVED AWARD). National Council on Family Relations. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: National Council on Family Relations.
  More info

  **Selected as “Best Abstract by a Student or New Professional” for the Research and Theory Section at this year’s conference.**
• Corkery, S., & Curran, M. A. (2015, November). RC2: Relational sacrifices and tripartite commitment dimensions.. National Council on Family Relations. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: National Council on Family Relations.
• Curran, M. A. (2015, June). RC2: Invited presentation: The process of personal and professional productivity. International Association for Relationship Research. New Brunswick, NJ.: International Association for Relationship Research.
• Curran, M. A. (2015, November). RC2: Invited presentation: Understanding patterns of variability in daily relationship quality for couples. Social Psychology Colloquium/Brown Bag Series, Psychology department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ: Social Psychology Colloquium/Brown Bag Series, Psychology department.
• Gonzalez, J., Gamble, H., & Curran, M. A. (2015, November). RC2 & RA4: Approach-avoidance motivations of sacrifice and relational quality (RECEIVED AWARD). National Council on Family Relations. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: National Council on Family Relations.
  More info

  **Selected as “Outstanding Poster Award by a Student” for the Family Therapy Section at this year’s conference.**
• McDaniel, B., Galovan, A., & Curran, M. (2015, November). RC2: Intensive longitudinal data design and analysis bootcamp. Theory Construction and Research Methodology. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Theory Construction and Research Methodology.
• Young, V., & Curran, M. A. (2015, November). RC2: Intimacy behaviors and relationship satisfaction for cohabitors: Intimate sacrifices are not always beneficial. National Communication Association. Las Vegas: National Communication Association.
• Akcabozan, B., Young, V., & Curran, M. A. (2014, November). RC2: Appreciation of intimate sacrifices and depressive symptoms for cohabitors. University of Arizona Student Showcase (Tucson).
• Burke, T., Young, V., Totenhagen, C., Curran, M. A., Burke, T., Young, V., Totenhagen, C., & Curran, M. A. (2014, November). RC2: Relational sacrifices about intimate behavior and relationship quality for expectant cohabitors. National Communication Association (Chicago).
• Curran, M. A. (2014, March). RC2: Invited Discussant: How to work with family and leave it at the office. SEN Design Group, Tucson, Arizona.
  More info

  Curran, M.A. (2014, March). How to work with family and leave it at the office. Invited presentation to the SEN Design Group, Tucson, Arizona.
• Curran, M. A. (2014, November). RC2: Invited Discussant: Examining the impact and process of union dissolution. National Council on Family Relations (Baltimore).
  More info

  Curran, M.A. (2014, November). Examining the impact and process of union dissolution. Invited discussant at the National Council on Family Relations, Baltimore, MD
• Loving, A., Totenhagen, C., McDaniel, B., & Curran, M. A. (2014, November). RC2: Volatility in daily relationship quality: The role of attachment. National Council on Family Relations (Baltimore).
• Muraco, J., Russell, S., Curran, M. A., & Butler, E. (2014, November). RC2: Minority stress and public displays of affection in gay and lesbian couples. National Council on Family Relations (Baltimore).
• Serido, J., Curran, M. A., & Ahn, S. (2014, November). RC2: Poster symposium: Young adults’ financial and life satisfaction: What’s love got to do with it?. National Council on Family Relations (Baltimore).
• Corkery, S., & Curran, M. A. (2013, November). RC2: Tripartite commitment and relational sacrifices for pregnant, unmarried cohabitors. National Council on Family Relations. San Antonio, TX..
• Curran, M. A., Marshall, C. A., Demmler, J., Garcia, F., Kroll, T., & Niemelä, M. (2013, November). RC2: Addressing the psychosocial support needs of cancer co-survivors in low-income communities. American Public Health Association. Boston, MA.
• Muraco, J., Li, G., Russell, S., & Curran, M. A. (2013, November). RC2: Conceptual matters: An examination of sexual orientation conceptualized four ways. National Council on Family Relations. San Antonio, TX..
• Serido, J., Ahn, S., Garner, E., & Curran, M. A. (2013, November). RC2: Young adults' finances: Influences from parents and romantic partners. National Council on Family Relations. San Antonio, TX..
• Totenhagen, C., & Curran, M. A. (2013, November). RC2: Did my partner notice? Daily sacrifices and commitment. International Association for Relationship Research. Louisville, Kentucky.
• Young, V., Curran, M. A., Simmens, S., & Weihs, K. (2013, November). RC2: Physical well-being after breast cancer: The value of relationships. National Council on Family Relations. San Antonio, TX..
• Young, V., burke, T., & Curran, M. A. (2013, November). RC2: Affectionate sacrifices and relationship satisfaction of cohabiting individuals: Is there evidence of exchange and/or communal orientations motivating behaviors?. International Association for Relationship Research. Louisville, Kentucky.

Poster Presentations

• Curran, M. A., Toomey, R. B., Romero, A. J., & Rodas, J. M. (2018, April). The association between ambiguous loss of family relationships and depressive symptoms among Latino youth. Society for Research on Adolescence Biennial Meeting. Minneapolis, MN: Society for Research on Adolesence.
• Paschall, K., Barnett, M. A., Curran, M. A., Colacicco, R., & Pech, A. (2017, April). Associations among parental depressive symptoms, coparenting and behavior in young children with previously incarcerated fathers. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development. Austin, TX: Society for Research in Child Development.
  More info

  RC2First author is a graduate student.Listed as accepted in 2016.
• Pech, A., Colacicco, R., Curran, M. A., Barnett, M. A., & Paschall, K. (2017, April). RC2: Associations among parental depressive symptoms, coparenting and behavior in young children with previously incarcerated fathers. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development (April 2017). Austin, TX: Society for Research in Child Development.
  More info

  RC2
• Barnett, M. A., Paschall, K., & Curran, M. A. (2016, July). Multiple dimensions of fathers’ parenting: Links to children’s behavior problems and language development.. National Research Conference on Early Childhood. Washington, DC: Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
  More info

  RC2
• Helm, S. V., Pollitt, A., Barnett, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2016, November). Examining parents’ environmental values, coping strategies and behavior.. Annual Meeting of the National Council on Family Relations. Minneapolis, MN: National Council on Family Relations.
  More info

  RC2

Others

• Curran, M. A. (2018, summer). RC2 & RA4 (?): Invited by Editor of Journal of Family and Economic Issues to put together special issue on finance, relationships, and family. Journal of Family and Economic Issues.
  More info

  2021: Now publishedhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10834-021-09771-7This special issue will now include the additional Editors of my two advisees --Ashley LeBaron and Xiaomin Li -- as well as a former advisee -- Casey Totenhagen.
• Curran, M. A. (2019, September). RA4 (?): Invited by Senior Associate Dean to apply for Department Head position in Family Social Science at the University of MN. University of Georgia.
  More info

  From: Deborah Dillon Sent: Friday, September 27, 2019 10:47 AMTo: Curran, Melissa A - (macurran) Subject: An opportunity to talk, please Dear Melissa,I am reaching out because you have been identified by a colleague in the Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) as an individual that we would very much value as an applicant for our Department Head position in FSoS at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Your scholarship and leadership would be highly valued at our university.I would like to talk to you about the position and share with you many of the excellent features about our department, college, university, and living in the Twin Cities. I moved here myself a few years ago to serve as Chair of the C&I Department. I wanted to work at a land grant institution with a mission of outreach to the state and nation, and work with other colleagues focused on making a difference for children and families both locally and beyond. I moved my family here and they have been extremely happy with the diverse and interesting environment that the Twin Cities offers. My daughter is adopted from China and we found that the diversity in the cities was very beneficial for her, including excellent schools and many music and dance opportunities. We have wonderful sports activities here as well!I hope you would allow me to call you so we could talk for 10 minutes or so about the position. Would you be open to a call? I hope so—if so, please send me a few good times to call you and a phone number where you can be reached.Sincerely,Deborah Dillon—Deborah R. Dillon, Ph.DSenior Associate Dean, Graduate & Professional Programs | Guy Bond Chair in Reading | http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ci/people/dillon.html College of Education and Human Development |http://www.cehd.umn.edu University of Minnesota | umm.edudillon@umn.edu | 612-626-7281For appts. contact: Bridget Grotins, Admin. Office Manager| groti001@umn.edu | 612-626-4810
• Curran, M. A. (2019, Summer). RA4: APLUS (Arizona Pathways to Life Success for University Students) Research Scholarship for 2019. APLUS.
  More info

  Awarded for contributions to APLUS scholarship, including in publications and mentorship of graduate students in this research. University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Curran, M. A. (2018, April). RA5: Attended workshop called Ask For What you Want (by Lydia Kennedy). CALS workshop series.
  More info

  Ask for What You Want—Lydia KennedyIf you don’t ask, the answer is always no! Negotiations are opportunities that happen to us every day. In this session, we’ll look at our view of negotiations and opportunities to be creative in asking for what we want. Learn how to prepare and develop strategies for mapping out your next negotiation.Webinar RegistrationCONTACTSHeather Roberts-Wrenn520-621-9168inclusive@email.arizona.edu
• Curran, M. A. (2018, February). RA5: Structuring Successful NIH Proposals & Revisions workshop. Grant (NIH) workshop.
  More info

  Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2018 2:30 PMTo: VPR-ResDev Subject: Structuring Successful NIH Proposals & Revisions Workshop 2/16/18Good afternoon. Thank you for registering to attend the Structuring Successful NIH Proposals & Revisions workshop on February 16, 2018. The workshop will be held in the Student Union Memorial Center, Santa Rita Room, third floor, adjacent to the South Ballroom, to the East (see attached map). Please arrive at 8:30 am for registration; we will start promptly at 9:00am. The workshop will run until 2:00pm. Coffee and lunch will be provided! You will receive two handouts (1) a print out of the slides and (2) a handbook for planning and writing successful proposals. We look forward to seeing you there. Research Development Services Teamresdev@email.arizona.edu621-8585
• Curran, M. A. (2018, March (during Spring Break)). RA5: Grant review panel: The inside scoop. Grant (NIH) workshop.
  More info

  Grant Review Panels - The Inside ScoopThe CALS Research Office is happy to announce a new program.GRANT REVIEW PANELS: THE INSIDE SCOOPAgency: National Institutes of HealthPanel Members: Gayatri Vedantam, PhD, V.K. Viswanathan, PhD, Zelieann Craig, PhDFaculty, Staff, Postdoc, Students are welcome to attendYou will get to interact with a panel of faculty who have served on NIH Study Sections. The panel will share their experiences and answer any questions you may have. Date: March 7, 2018 (Spring Break week)Time: 11am - 1pmLocation: Sent in confirmation email Lunch will be served. Please RSVP at: https://form.jotform.com/51304812017140Questions:Sangita Pawar, PhD, MBAAssistant Dean, Researchsangita@email.arizona.edu
• Curran, M. A. (2018, March). RA3, RA4 (?): Asked to apply for Editor position of Family Relations (declined). Family Relations.
  More info

  From: Karen Benjamin Guzzo [mailto:kguzzo@bgsu.edu] Sent: Thursday, March 1, 2018 1:33 PMTo: Curran, Melissa A - (macurran) Subject: Available to chat about Family Relations? Dear Melissa,I'm writing as a member of the search committee for the next editor of Family Relations. Kristi Williams suggested you might be interested in (and would be well-suited for) the position since you do such a great job reviewing for JMF. In fact, I think you're on the editorial board of all the NCFR journals, so clearly you are well-qualified and invested in family science!If you're interested in possibly applying, I'd be glad to chat with you about it sometime in the next week or so. I personally think you'd do a great job, so I hope you give it some serious consideration. I've attached the job description and the ad which provide more details.Hope to hear from you soon.Best, Karen __________________________Karen Benjamin Guzzo, Ph.D.Associate Director, Center for Family & Demographic ResearchAssociate Professor, Department of SociologyBowling Green State UniversityBowling Green, OH 43403-0222419-372-3312kguzzo@bgsu.edu
• Curran, M. A. (2018, October). RA4 (?): Invited by search commiteee to apply for Department Head position in HDFS at the University of Georgia. University of Georgia.
  More info

  From: Damla Alexandra Williams Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 7:33 AMTo: Curran, Melissa A - (macurran) Subject: Position Announcement | Department Head, Human Development & Family Science | The University of Georgia Dear Dr. Curran, As you may be aware, we have launched a search for the role of Department Head of Human Development and Family Science within the College of Family and Consumer Sciences here at the University of Georgia. We are highly interested in your personal consideration, and I would like to speak with you briefly at your convenience. It is a very exciting time here at UGA and in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, specifically. Housing the College’s largest major with enrollment totaling ~500 students, the Department of Human Development and Family Science is advancing the understanding of human lifespan, family systems, child and adolescent development, as well as the diversity of experiences and approaches to prevention and intervention. With a strong focus on community engagement and a commitment to applied research, the Department boasts three award-winning centers and labs, as well as numerous multidisciplinary partnerships and grants. We are seeking a visionary leader to continue the growth of the Department and the College in research, fund raising, programmatic planning, and strategic operations. More information about this position can be found in the attached position announcement. As you know, this is an incredibly important position here at UGA and we greatly appreciate your consideration. I would like to speak with you at your convenience in the next few days to discuss the details. If you would, please let me know when you will be available for a brief conversation and I will be happy to call to fit your schedule. I look forward to speaking with you soon.My best,Damla--Damla WilliamsExecutive Search Consultant UGA Search Group706.542.7344damlaw@uga.edu
• Curran, M. A. (2018, Spring). RA3: Media interviews about reserach topics (child abuse) and my published research (e.g., finance and relationships). AZ Republic & Rewire.
  More info

  https://www.rewire.org/love/dating-talk-finances/& From: Curran, Melissa A - (macurran) Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2018 9:16 AMTo: Valdez, Linda Cc: Melissa Barnett (barnettm@email.arizona.edu) Subject: RE: media questionHello Linda (CC Dr. Barnett), Thank you for your email to Dr. Hawley.I have some expertise in this area, so I’ll add some comments below. I’m sure my colleague, Dr. Barnett, can add more here as well.See attached for two articles [Egeland and George] that do a nice job of summarizing other characteristics that matter (e.g., receipt of emotional support; participation in therapy). Therapy and support, for example, can help individuals develop coherence or insight (i.e., lessons learned as to what not to do in their own parenting of their children and what to do instead; see the articles here from Saunders and Swartz to illustrate these points).Sincerely,Melissa Curran From: Hawley, Jana - (hawleyj) Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2018 7:34 AMTo: Valdez, Linda Cc: Curran, Melissa A - (macurran) Subject: RE: media questionHello, I am referring to Dr. Melissa Curran, he faculty expert in the Norton school (cc’d) . My area is in retail and consumer sciences. From: Valdez, Linda Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2018 6:00 PMTo: hawleyj@arizona.eduSubject: media questionDear Dr. Hawley,I am doing research for a project that will look at what families need to be successful, particularly in the context of preventing child abuse/neglect and enabling children to remain with their families.For example: affordable housing, living wage, health care, community support would seem to be basic elements necessary to promote successful families. What am I missing?I am also interested in what Arizona is or is not doing to help families succeed. Is this your area of expertise? If not, can you suggest someone who has done work in this area? Thank you. Linda ValdezColumnist/editorial writerThe Arizona Republic|azcentral.comAuthor of “Crossing the Line: A Marriage Across Borders” PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK Linda.Valdez@arizonarepublic.com valdez.azcentral.com
• Curran, M. A. (2018, august). RA3, RA4 (?): Invited to be book review editor for Journal of Family Theory and Review by Dr. Mark Fine (declined). Journal of Family Theory and Review.
  More info

  From: Journal of Family Theory & Review [mailto:jftr@uncg.edu] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2018 3:02 PMTo: Curran, Melissa A - (macurran) Cc: Anthony James Subject: Journal of Family Theory and ReviewHi Melissa: I don't think we've ever met, but your name has come up several times when I've asked for input on the next book review editor of JFTR. The current book review editor is Aine Humble and she is stepping down at the end of this year.Would you have any interest in assuming this position? I'd be delighted to talk to you if you think that there might be a chance that you would consider assuming this new role. I don't think the time demands are very great, partly because JFTR is relatively smaller than other journals like JMF, and you'd have a high degree of autonomy. However, particularly for a theory and review journal like JFTR, I believe that book reviews can have a major impact on the field. If you are interested, I'd be happy to talk with you, as would Aine, at any mutually convenient time.I appreciate you considering this. Best wishes, MarkMark A. Fine, Ph.D.Professor and Editor-Elect, Journal of Family Theory and ReviewDepartment of Human Development and Family Studies134 Stone BuildingUniversity of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC 27402mafine@uncg.edu
• Curran, M. A. (2018, september). RA5: Attended 2 day statistical workshop (by Bethany Bray) about person-centered analyses. Offered through FMI.
  More info

  From: Baca, Feliz M - (fbaca)Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 10:03:20 AMSubject: LCA/LPA Workshop Evaluation Greetings,Thank you all for participating in the 2-day Introduction to Latent Class Analysis and Latent Profile Analysis workshop with Dr. Bethany Bray!As Dr. Romero mentioned, below you will find the link to the evaluation form. Please fill out the evaluation to let us know your thoughts about the workshop, as well as to provide insight for any future methods workshops we offer.To access the workshop evaluation form click here.Thank you again for your attendance. We hope you all have a wonderful week.Best,Feliz
• barnett, m., & Curran, M. A. (2018, Fall). RC2: Report to funder (US HHS) about our output from Building Strong Famlies grant. US HHS (Kathleen McCoy, PO).
• Curran, M. A. (2017, Spring to Fall 2017). RC1 relevant: Curran summary to figure out counting of publications (CY 2016 vs. CY 2017) -- document attached here.
• Curran, M. A., & Barnett, M. (2016, Summer & Fall). RC2: Reports to funding agency of Health and Human Services submitted for Building Strong Families project.
• Curran, M. A., Barnett, M., & Butler, E. (2017, Spring and Fall). RC2: Research collaborative groups (Spring 2017): #1 Curran & Barnett; #2: Curran & Butler.
  More info

  Research collaborative groups (meetings about one time a month): #1: Curran and Barnett and our graduate students; Mostly specific to the Building Strong Families dataset) #2: Curran and Butler and our graduate students; Topics about romantic relationships and health
• Few-Demo, A., Humble, A., Curran, M. A., & Lloyd, S. (2017, November). RA4: 2017 Alexis Walker Award; the best research in the Family Science field published by a Wiley Journal in 2015 and 2016. Wiley Publishers.
  More info

  Recipient of award from the National Council on Family Relations, 2017: Queer theory, intersectionality, and LGBT-parent families: Transformative critical pedagogy in family theory, published in Journal of Family Theory & Review, 8, 74-94. Selected as the 2017 Alexis Walker Award; the best research in the Family Science field published by a Wiley Journal in 2015 and 2016. Recognition of distinguished contributions to path-breaking new research or innovative theory development in the family science field
• Curran, M. A., & Curran, M. A. (2016, January to December). Director of Research, Take Charge America Institute (TCAI) starting in 2016.
  More info

  2016 Spring report to Drs. Hawley and Staten (main highlights):Melissa CurranEXPECTATIONS FOR YEAR 1 OF TCAI APPOINTMENT(Given 9 month appointment: 1.4.16 to 5.22.16 and 8.15.16 to 12.31.16)(1) For APR, Melissa will report on research projects specific to TCAI. For example, Melissa will put a * next to projects that connect with TCAI that she reports under the research section of her APR documentation. a. OUTCOME: Pending: I will do this for the APR for 2016 (2) Participate in TCAI board meetings (May and November 2016) a. OUTCOME: Yes, I participated in the May 2016 board meeting, including meeting and talking further with several of the board members (e.g., Kasey Urquidez). (3) Communication with Mike about ideas and possible contactsa. OUTCOME: Yes, I communicated with Mike about grant ideas (e.g., possible submission ideas through PRC/Boettner Center at the University of Pennsylvania and the TIAA Institute)(4) Update Mike and Jana once a month with progress reports on research connected to TCAI (via email and/or in person)a. OUTCOME: Yes, I provided these progress reports. For the written progress reports, see BOX folder with Melissa and Mike. See https://arizona.box.com/s/sgrosvos981seur7tint69o1aipg244s. (5) In consultation with Joyce Serido, submit IRB from UA to: (a) Reestablish IRB as a partner in the APLUS data analysis plan as current IRB approval has lapsed.o (Submission of new IRB is time intensive, often involving many back and forth emails and resubmissions with IRB) o OUTCOME: Yes, IRB approval at UA was achieved on 3.11.16(b) Aid APLUS team with submission for new data collection for Wave 4. o OUTCOME: Pending: Additional IRB documentation will be needed for IRB recruitment strategies for Summer 2016. In large part, data collection is delayed given the significant amount of time it took for the subaward money to come from UMN and the Great Lakes money to come from Univ of Wisconsin. (6) In consultation with Joyce, work with and help any student personnel associated with APLUS at UA (e.g., Sunyoung Ahn; any undergraduate research assistants who are invited to the project).a. OUTCOME: I assisted Sunyoung with lit reviews for APLUS team, as well as how to prioritize her time (complex statistics versus all literature reviews). I also coordinated with Tiffany (e.g., set up Wells Fargo bank account, kept her updated about status of subaward and timing for data collection and payments to participants). (7) Work with Joyce, Robert Lanza, and any other APLUS personnel specific to efforts toward data collection of Wave 4 for the APLUS data. a. (Data collection is time intensive, especially in terms of trying to track participants as part of this longitudinal study). b. OUTCOME: Coordination with Robert (and Joyce and UA Business Office) this semester was fairly extensive. Additional data collection efforts and strategies will be needed this summer for W4 data collection. (8) In consultation with Joyce, submit one proposal to the National Council on Family Relations or to a conference in which family finances are the focus. a. OUTCOME: Our symposium on relationships and families was accepted, and we will present this submission in November, 2016. Additionally, with another colleague, I submitted and will co-chair another symposium including families and finances that will also be presented in November, 2016. 2016 Fall report to Drs. Hawley and Staten (main highlights):12.16.16Melissa CurranEXPECTATIONS FOR YEAR 1 OF TCAI APPOINTMENT(Given 9 month appointment: 1.4.16 to 5.22.16 and 8.15.16 to 12.31.16)I met all of the expectations of the appointment in the update from Spring, 2016. Here, for Fall, 2016, I share other updates relevant to TCAI. APLUS relevant:#1: Data collection for Wave 4:• 800 = Our target number for recruitment (about 50% of the respondents from 10 years ago)• 854 = We exceeded our target number. • We now have four waves of data on about 800 individuals over 10 years • I participated in monthly conference calls with the research team about the data collection process / who will take what roles in writing up Wave 4 data.• I participated in weekly (or sometimes more often) meetings with Robert, Tiffany, and the Business Office about all things specific to data collection (e.g., funds, how to increase recruitment numbers, involving my undergraduate student researchers in recruitment efforts). #2a: Grant funding • Adult fiscal competency: An analysis of financial behavior during the transition to adulthood. National Endowment of Financial Education (NEFE). 2/16 to 1/17. Total costs $75,000. Co-PI, PI Joyce Serido and Co-PI Soyeon Shim • TCAI APLUS Wave 4 funding. Great Lakes, Wisconsin. Total costs $19,350. Co-PI, PI Soyeon Shim and Co-PI Joyce Serido.• [Both of these grant funded projects were in the “CALS FY17 Q1 Awards” report]. #2b: Grant submission (not funded):• Generous to a Fault: Expectations and Consequences of Financial “Overparenting” for Parents and Young Adult Children – And What Can Be Done About It. Total costs $20,000. PI, Co-PI Joyce Serido. Submitted to NBER Household Finance Working Group Small Grants. #3: Award winning paper: • Our paper was chosen as the “best paper” in 2015 by the National Council on Family Relations from the• Family Economics Group.• Serido, J., Curran, M., Wilmarth, M., +Ahn, S., Shim, S., & +Ballard, J. (2015). The unique role of parents and romantic partners on young adults’ financial attitudes and behaviors. Family Relations, 64, 696-710. doi: 10.1111/fare.12164• Here was the award process (from Dr. Clinton Gudmunson):o Focus group volunteers canvassed 21 peer-reviewed journals this year to make nominations.o More than 20 papers were nominated.o Nominated papers must meet these criteria to be judged for the award: a) they address family content in a substantive way, b) they include a meaningful discussion of economic or financial issues, and c) at least one of the authors is an NCFR member.o Seven judges ranked the qualifying papers.o Your paper received the highest ratings!#4: Conference presentation:• +Ahn, S., Curran, M.A. & Serido, J. (2016, November). Financial instability and satisfaction: The Influence of shared versus conflictual financial values with romantic partners. In M.A. Curran & J. Serido (Chairs), What happens in romantic relationships when money is tight? Poster symposium presented at the National Council on Family Relations, Minneapolis, MN.#5: Submitted paper to Fed Reserve Conference • Curran, M. A., Serido, J., & +Ahn, S. (2017, March). Multidimensional influences – own, parental, romantic partner – on young adults’ health, well-being, life satisfaction, financial knowledge, and relationship quality. Submitted to the 2017 Federal Reserve System Community Development Research Conference, Washington, DC. • Should learn of decision of acceptance in mid to late December, 2016. • If accepted, I go to DC in Spring 2017 to present this paper. Building Strong Families (BSF) relevant:#1: Biweekly research team meetings• Faculty (Melissa Curran, Melissa Barnett) and graduate students (FSHD and also Torey Ligon from RCSC) came together to discuss how we were using / could be using BSF data. • BSF data are relevant to this TCAI report as the sample is mostly lower-income, and many of the projects we have specified include some kind of an examination of finances. #2: Two grant submissions (not funded)• Economic and Family Pathways to social inequality: Comparisons among fathers with and without a history of incarceration and Intersections with race/ethnicity. Submitted to the Russell Sage Foundation on June 15, 2016 for amount of $85,000. Co-PI, PI Melissa Barnett. [Not funded]. • Relational Commitment over Time among Unmarried New Parents and Intersections with Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity. Submitted to the Russell Sage Foundation on September 9, 2016 for amount of $100,000. Co-PI (40%), PI Dana Weiser [Texas Tech University], Co-I, Melissa Barnett. [Not funded].#3: Two manuscript submissions: • Curran, M.A., Barnett, M., Paschall, K., & +Kopystynska, O. (under review). Family instability during the transition to parenthood for fathers and mothers. Journal of Marriage and Family. • +Kopystynska, O., Barnett, M., Paschall, K., & Curran, M. A. (under review). Patterns of interparental conflict, parenting, and children’s emotional insecurity: A person-centered approach. Journal of Family Psychology. #4: Three conference submissions / acceptances• †Pech, A., UColacicco, R., Curran, M. A., Barnett, M., & †Paschall, K. (2017, April). Associations among parental depressive symptoms, coparenting and behavior in young children with previously incarcerated fathers. To be presented at the 2017 meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Austin, Texas. • †Kopystynska, O., †Paschall, K., Barnett, M., & Curran, M. A. (2017, April). Patterns of interparental conflict in relation to parenting and children’s behavior problems: A person-centered approach. To be presented at the 2017 meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Austin, Texas.• Barnett, M., †Paschall, K., †Kopystynska, O., & Curran, M. A. (2017, April). Interactions among the quality and quantity of fathers’ parenting: Links to young children’s development. To be presented at the 2017 meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Austin, Texas.#5: One conference submission (to Fed Reserve) still pending: • Curran, M. A., Barnett, M., & Paschall, K. (2017, March). Building Strong Families: How does family instability, coparenting quality, and father involvement explain child development outcomes? Submitted to the 2017 Federal Reserve System Community Development Research Conference, Washington, DC.o Should learn of decision of acceptance in mid to late December, 2016. o If accepted, I go to DC in Spring 2017 to present this paper. #6: Use of data for Master’s thesis:• Associations between Parental Depressive Symptoms, Coparenting, and Behavior Outcomes in Young Children with Previously Incarcerated Fathers by Alexandria S. Pech+Key for notes in above sections: -Work with graduate student author is denoted with †. -Work with undergraduate student author is denoted with U.Other • Co-Chair (with Rick Rosen) for TCAI Director Searcho Started Fall 2016, and will continue search into 2017.o Meetings with Jana and Rick to discuss the vision for this position. • Committee member to Torey Ligon for her dissertation committeeo (Appointment scheduled with Jana in Spring 2017 to discuss possibility of me being a co-chair on this committee) [Also see attached documents for full reports].