Cohabitation versus Marriage

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating if the precursors of relationship dissolution vary according to union type (marriage or cohabitation). More specifically, this study examined the role of an important social psychological variable, dyadic adjustment, on relationship dissolution of cohabiting versus marital unions. A total of 117 married couples and 109 cohabiting couples completed a measure of dyadic adjustment, along with a demographic questionnaire. Two years later, the couples were asked to provide information on couple status (i.e., stable, separated, or divorced). As predicted, results of standard logistic regressions, controlled for relevant demographic variables, confirmed that cohabiting couples were more likely to end their relationship, even if it was still relatively satisfying, which was not the case for their married counterparts.

Key Words:

• Relationship dissolution
• marriage and cohabitation
• dyadic adjustment