Final answer:
Teresa could share facts about the added financial and emotional stresses brought on by children and the potential for a decline in marital satisfaction over time. However, she couldn't factually state whether children will ruin or improve a marriage as it varies by couple.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carmelina is contemplating the effects of having children on her marriage. In response to her concerns, her sister Teresa, who studied psychology, could provide insights based on the latest research. Teresa could share that the addition of children to a marriage creates added financial and emotional stress, and that marriages often go through their most stressful phase upon the birth of the first child. It's noted that married couples with multiples like twins or triplets are at a higher risk of divorce.
Research has also shown a general decline in marital satisfaction over time as people's values and life goals may evolve differently. However, Teresa could not factually share that children would definitively ruin or improve a marriage, as this outcome varies widely among different couples and is influenced by various factors.
Considering the changing trends in family life and marriage, including perspectives from different generations or cultural backgrounds might be useful. For instance, Elena's story about external pressures and the decision to start a family through adoption provides a contrast to the traditional expectation of having biological children soon after marriage. It exemplifies a trend reflected in research by the Pew Research Center stating that Millennials are approaching family life differently than previous generations.