Relationship Effort, Satisfaction, and Stability: Differences Across Union Type

Keywords

relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, marriage, family

Abstract

Relationship satisfaction and stability are two commonly studied outcomes in marriage and family research. Majority of studies address socio demographic variability and differences across union type in these outcomes. We extend this literature by addressing how the amount of effort one puts into their relationship is associated with stability and satisfaction. Specifically, we focus on how effort impacts these measures of quality in four union types: premarital cohabitation, first marriage, post‐divorce cohabitation, and second marriage following divorce. Furthermore, we make union type comparisons in the strength of effort's association with satisfaction and stability. Using data from 8,006 respondents in the Relationship Evaluation Survey, our results show that effort was strongly and positively associated with satisfaction and stability in all four unions. Although effort is more strongly associated with satisfaction in first marriage than cohabiting relationships, no union type differences in the role of effort on stability were observed. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Shafer, K., Jensen, T.M.*, & Larson, J.H. (2014). “Relationship Effort, Satisfaction, and Stability across Union Type.” Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 40(2): 212-232.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2012-11-26

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7205

Publisher

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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