Maxwell A. Hills

Divorce is an epidemic and it may be contagious. Too often couples don’t take the time necessary to determine if divorce is the right option. But there is a research-based approach that offers couples the time, insight, and tools to empower them to better assess their unique situations based on a series of applicable questions. For mediators, guiding couples through a constructive evaluation of their relationship for a period of six months can offer them the time needed to make an educated decision and potentially avoid divorce.

An NSU alumna, Michelle Rozen, Ph.D., researches, teaches, and practices mediation and conflict resolution through her divorce and family mediation services organization based in New York and New Jersey. She specializes in conflict management and proactive and productive communications. Rozen is also the author of The Effective Mediation and a writer for the Huffington Post. She helps divorcing couples remedy their unique and varied situations and works with corporations of various types and sizes. Rozen’s mission is to help individuals, teams, and organizations diffuse conflicts and encourage conversation, strengthen team dynamics, and inspire superior performance. Her goal is to help clients discover the underlying potential for growth in every conflict-oriented situation, adapt, and make changes accordingly. Rozen holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and an M.S. in Family Therapy, both from Nova Southeastern University.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Astro and his wife, Danielle, bring a fresh and startling perspective on marriage and divorce.

Astro Teller is a computer scientist and entrepreneur who currently oversees Google[x], Google’s moonshot factory. Danielle Teller is a physician specializing in intensive care and lung medicine; she has been a faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University. Astro and his wife, Danielle, bring a fresh and startling perspective on marriage and divorce.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

David A. Sbarra, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona where he serves as Director of Clinical Training. Dr. Sbarra teaches advanced graduate courses in psychotherapy, he is the author of numerous research papers and book chapters concerning divorce, stress, coping, and both mental and physical health. In addition to his is work as a professor of psychology, Dr. Sbarra maintains a small clinical practice in Tucson.

David's TEDx talk describes his latest research on divorce and healing in the aftermath of marital separation. Nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce, and David's research is illuminating new ways to promote recovery after this stressful life event.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Tamara Afifi is a Professor in the Department of Communication at UCSB. Most of her research focuses on how family members cope communicatively with various challenges they face. When examining her research program, two primary themes emerge: (1) information regulation (privacy, secrets, disclosure, avoidance) in parent-child and dating relationships, and (2) communication processes related to uncertainty, loss, stress and coping in families, with particular emphasis on post-divorce families. Professor Afifi was the recipient of the Young Scholar Award from the InternationalCommunication Association in 2006 and the Brommel Award from the National Communication Association in 2011 for a distinguished career of research in family communication. She has also won several other research awards, including the Franklin Knower Article Award in 2004 and the Distinguished Article Award in 2008 from the National Communication Association. Finally, she has received numerous teaching awards, including a Distinguished Teaching Award from the faculty senate at UCSB in 2009.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)