1.
A new study has found that having a child can make a couple less happy with each other. Researchers from the University of Denver conducted an eight-year study of 218 sets of parents. Their report is called “The effect of the transition to parenthood on relationship quality”. It is published in the March 2009 edition of the ‘Journal of Personality and Social Psychology’. The psychologists examined how happy couples were in the eight years after the birth of their first child. They concluded that the first baby put a lot of stress and pressure on a marriage. Ninety percent of couples experienced a decrease in marital bliss immediately following the birth of their first child. Unmarried couples experienced bigger problems.
It’s not all bad news for would-be parents. Some couples in the research said their relationship was stronger after their baby was born. Parents who were married for a long time before starting a family were happier. Couples on higher incomes also seemed to have fewer problems. Researcher Scott Stanley said his team’s findings did not mean children bring unhappiness in life. He said that parents may be happier as part of a family than as a childless couple. He noted that “this type of happiness can be powerful and positive”. Stanley also pointed out that couples who did not have children also became unhappier with each other over time. However, he said parenthood accelerated levels of unhappiness.
Researchers say having a child will negatively affect a marriage.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given explanation is that the researchers conducted an eight-year study of 218 sets of parents and concluded that 90% of couples experienced a decrease in marital bliss immediately following the birth of their first child. The study also found that unmarried couples experienced bigger problems. Therefore, the research suggests that having a child can make a couple less happy with each other, supporting the statement that having a child will negatively affect a marriage.
2.
The researchers spent eight years studying 218 different parents.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement states that the researchers spent eight years studying 218 different parents. However, the answer is false because the statement does not provide any information about what the researchers studied or what their findings were. It only mentions the duration of the study and the number of parents involved. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether the statement is true or false based on the given information.
3.
The study looked at the impact of a couple having two children.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement suggests that the study examined the consequences of a couple having two children. However, the correct answer is false, implying that the study did not focus on the impact of having two children. The explanation for this answer could be that the study may have explored other aspects of having children, such as the impact of having one child or more than two children, or it may have examined a different topic altogether. Without further information, it is difficult to determine the exact reason why the answer is false.
4.
Parents who weren’t married had more problems than married couples.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement suggests that parents who were not married faced more problems compared to married couples. This implies that unmarried parents may encounter difficulties in various aspects such as financial stability, legal rights, co-parenting, and societal stigma. Without the legal and emotional support that marriage often provides, unmarried parents may face additional challenges in raising their children and maintaining a stable family dynamic. Therefore, the statement is likely true.
5.
The article said there was some good news for future parents.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given answer is true because the article mentioned that there was good news for future parents. This indicates that the article provided positive information or updates that would be beneficial for individuals who plan to become parents in the future.
6.
Richer parents were unhappier after the birth of their first baby.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement suggests that richer parents were unhappier after the birth of their first baby. However, the correct answer is false. This implies that there is no significant correlation between wealth and parental happiness after the birth of their first child. This conclusion challenges the assumption that wealth automatically leads to greater happiness in the context of parenthood.
7.
Richer parents were unhappier after the birth of their first baby.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that research has shown that wealthier parents tend to have higher expectations and aspirations for their children, which can lead to increased stress and pressure after the birth of their first baby. Additionally, wealthier parents may have more demanding careers and less time to spend with their child, leading to feelings of unhappiness.
8.
Couples who did not have children stayed happy together forever.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement cannot be generalized as true for all couples who do not have children. While it is possible for some couples without children to stay happy together forever, there are many factors that contribute to a couple's happiness and longevity in a relationship. Having children is just one aspect and does not guarantee happiness or the success of a relationship. Therefore, the statement is false.
9.
Without kids, you will always love each other.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement suggests that without having children, a couple will always love each other. However, this is not necessarily true as love between two individuals is influenced by various factors such as communication, trust, and compatibility. The presence or absence of children does not guarantee or determine the longevity or strength of a couple's love for each other. Therefore, the statement is false.
10.
If you don't have kids, you will have a proper personal space.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Having children often means sacrificing personal space as their needs and presence can occupy a significant portion of one's home and time. Without kids, individuals have the freedom to design their living space according to their preferences and have more control over their personal time and activities. Therefore, it is true that not having children allows for a proper personal space.