Timing is everything: Pre-engagement cohabitation and increased risk for poor marital outcomes.
Data from a longitudinal study were used to examine differences among couples that cohabited before engagement, after engagement, or not until marriage. Survey data and objectively coded couple interaction data were collected for 136 couples (272 individuals) after engagement (but before marriage) and 10 months into marriage. At both time points, the before-engagement cohabiters (59 couples) had more negative interactions, lower interpersonal commitment, lower relationship quality, and lower relationship confidence than those who did not cohabit until after engagement (28 couples) or marriage (49 couples), even after controlling for selection factors and duration of cohabitation. Our findings suggest that those who cohabit before engagement are at greater risk for poor marital outcomes than those who cohabit only after engagement or at marriage, which may have important implications for future research on cohabitation, clinical work, and social policy decisions.
Kline
Galena H
GH
Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
Stanley
Scott M
SM
Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
Markman
Howard J
HJ
Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
Olmos-Gallo
P Antonio
PA
Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
St Peters
Michelle
M
Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
Whitton
Sarah W
SW
Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
Prado
Lydia M
LM
Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003380:Courtship; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D035502:Trust