This article was edited by Cheryl Buehler.
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Does Premarital Cohabitation Predict Subsequent Marital Stability and Marital Quality? A Meta-Analysis
Article first published online: 20 JAN 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2009.00686.x
Copyright © National Council on Family Relations, 2010
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How to Cite
Jose, A., Daniel O’Leary, K. and Moyer, A. (2010), Does Premarital Cohabitation Predict Subsequent Marital Stability and Marital Quality? A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72: 105–116. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2009.00686.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 20 JAN 2010
- Article first published online: 20 JAN 2010
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- cohabitation;
- divorce;
- meta-analysis;
- relationship processes;
- relationship quality
Cohabitation with a romantic partner has become common in recent decades. This meta-analysis examined the link between premarital cohabitation and marital stability ( k = 16) and marital quality ( k = 12). Cohabitation had a significant negative association with both marital stability and marital quality. The negative predictive effect on marital stability, however, did not remain when only cohabitation with the eventual marital partner was analyzed, suggesting that these cohabitors may attach more long-term meaning to living together. Moderator analyses demonstrated that effects of cohabitation have remained consistent over time, despite the fact that cohabitation has become more normative.