Ambiguous Marital Separation and How to Avoid it - Steven Harris
In this Stronger Marriage webinar, Dr. Steven Harris explores why marriage remains a vital institution in today’s world. Drawing from decades of research and teaching, he explains how marriage supports personal well-being, strong families, and healthier communities. Dr. Harris also discusses common misconceptions about modern marriage and encourages a renewed commitment to nurturing marital relationships as a public good.
Time Markers
00:00 – Welcome by Nyah Phelps and introduction of Dr. Steven Harris
00:29 – Dr. Harris’s background in marriage and family therapy
01:45 – Why marriage still matters in modern society
02:30 – Key benefits of marriage for individuals, families, and communities
03:45 – Research findings: Marriage and personal well-being
05:00 – Marriage as a stabilizing force in society
06:12 – Common misconceptions and fears about marriage today
07:35 – The importance of marriage for children’s outcomes
08:44 – Marriage and economic stability
10:01 – How cohabitation differs from marriage in long-term benefits
11:14 – The role of commitment and sacrifice in marriage success
12:34 – Encouragement for couples to keep growing and investing in their relationship
13:40 – Dr. Harris shares personal and professional experiences
15:10 – Final thoughts on promoting a marriage-positive culture
16:00 – Q&A and closing remarks
About Steven Harris:
Steven M. Harris, PhD, LMFT, received his master’s and doctoral degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University. He is a Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. Prior to living in Minnesota he was on faculty at Texas Tech University for 13 years. While in Texas Dr. Harris chaired the Research Advisory Group for the Texas Healthy Marriage Initiative and was recognized for Outstanding Service by the Texas Health and Human Service Commission (2008). He has been practicing as a family therapist for over 30 years. He is the past Editor for the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. Dr. Harris is the author of over 95 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, has written four books, and has contributed a variety of other publications to the field throughout his career. Dr. Harris also serves as the Director of the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project at the University of Minnesota. He conducts research on the many facets of divorce decision-making and the Discernment Counseling approach he and his colleague, Dr. William J. Doherty, pioneered at the University of Minnesota. They are currently working on a revision of their first textbook on Discernment Counseling (originally published in April 2017) that will be released in 2026.
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