Gender and ethnic differences in separation-individuation were assessed in a sample of 125 male and 175 female undergraduates (M age = 19.56, SD = 1.29) self-identified as White, African American, Hispanic, or Asian. Measures used included a demographic questionnaire and the Separation-Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA; J. B. Levine, C. J. Green, & T. Millon, 1986; J. B. Levine & S. Saintogne, 1993). Except for results showing a greater tendency among the men to shun dependent ties and a superior capacity for forming close peer attachments among the women, separation-individuation development tended to be indistinguishable between the genders. Additional findings suggest that (a) Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans are more concerned with engulfment fears and needs for nurturance than Whites are; (b) Asians are more apt to shun dependent ties than Whites are; and (c) compared with Whites, African Americans anticipate rejection more and are less adept at forming close attachments with teachers.

Unmarried heterosexual couples are increasingly presenting for conjoint therapy. Although these couples share many problems with maried heterosexual couples, such as communication andfamily of origin issues, cohabitation often raises a distinctive set of issues. These dimensions involve the meaning of living together, the relationship's future, the presence of children, and interactions with extended family. Three case examples illustrate therapeutic dilemmas arising with unmarried couples. Treatment approaches include family of origin, feminist, and structural interventions. Conflicts may also arisefrom the absence of legal recognitionfor many cohabiting relationships.