E job loss death of a child etc must cope effectively


What is it? Who does it? Why do they do it?


“Easy out” [compared to marriage]
o
Four types

Just part of dating/practical

Try things out

Transition to marriage; Made explicit before cohabitation occurs.

Don’t believe in the institution of marriage (i.e. homosexuals)

How does it influence relationship outcomes? Why?
o
Relationship outcomes

Premarital cohabitation is associated with:

Increased risk for divorce, especially:

Serial monogamists- People who have only cohabited with one
individual.

Non-Hispanic, white women

Worse marital communication quality

Lower satisfaction

Increased perception of marital instability

Increased likelihood of domestic violence

Correlational evidence on this is highly debated; No causal connection.
o
Explanations for outcomes

Experience; AKA “Cohabitation Effect”

The experience of cohabitation CAUSES the changes of marital success to
decline.

Selection Effect


People who cohabit are fundamentally different than those who choose not
to cohabit.

People who cohabit are more likely to come from divorced families,
thereby making them more likely to divorce themselves.

Low income/SES

Tend to be less religious, therefore making divorce more
acceptable.

Inertia Effect

Some couples who would otherwise not have married end up marrying
anyway.
°
°
Interdependence Theory – What are the three major components that define relationship
dependence and satisfaction? Know how these three components interact with one another.

The way interacting individuals influence the experiences of each other via their behaviors.
o
Measured by researchers via the use of “I” vs. “we” or “our” in describing one’s
relationship; The more “we”

Greater interdependence, and vice versa.