The Association Between Having a Failed Marital Reconciliation in the First Marriage and Dissolution of the Second Marriage

Abstract

Using 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Households data, this study examined the relationship between having a failed marital reconciliation in the first marriage and dissolution of the second marriage. Unsuccessful marital reconciliations are not uncommon; each year about 300,000 women become divorced after having a failed marital reconciliation. The results suggest that attempting a reconciliation in the first marriage is moderately associated with an increased probability of dissolving the second marriage. The implications of the results are discussed.