In Brief: May 21, 2001

MOMMY, I'M HOME As the economy slows, more adults are living with their parents. According to the Census, 18 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 now do so. Figures from the University of North Texas show that 66% of those between 19 and 24 are living at home, compared to 50% in 1980. The figure for those between 25 and 34 jumped to 17.5%, from 7%.

PARENTS AND SEX ED When it comes to sex, parents often feel they have little influence on their teenagers. But a recent study published in Family Planning Perspectives suggests that parent-child communication can make a difference in a teen's sexual attitudes. The study found that teens who participated in sex-ed programs with parents involved in homework assignments were more likely to avoid risky sexual behavior and were more serious about abstinence than peers in programs that lack parental engagement.

GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES Same-sex couples often face more external difficulties in their relationships, but their communication skills are often better than those of straight couples, according to the first long-term study of homosexual relationships, conducted by the Family Research Laboratory. Researchers found that same-sex couples use fewer controlling, hostile emotional tactics when arguing and seem better able to calm down during a fight.

--By Lisa McLaughlin