Differences in Relationship Quality Measurement and Covariate Influence Between Individuals in First and Second Marriages: A Propensity Score Analysis

Keywords

marriage, propensity score analysis, relationship quality, relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, remarriage, selection

Abstract

Few studies have examined relationship quality construct measurement and covariate influence differences between first married and remarried individuals. We used multiple-sample confirmatory factor analysis and structural regression invariance testing to assess relationship quality measurement and covariate influence differences between these two groups. We account for selection bias on 11 observed selection variables by comparing outcomes before and after propensity score greedy matching procedures. Using a sample of 2,030 first married and 488 remarried individuals from the Relationship Evaluation Survey, prematching results indicate some significant differences between groups. Postmatching results, however, indicate that all measurement and structural parameters can be constrained to be equal between groups without worsening model fit. Implications, limitations, and future directions for research are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Jensen, T.M.*, Shafer, K., & Larson, J.H. (2014). “Differences in Relationship Quality Measurement and Covariate Influence Between Individuals in First and Second Marriages: A Propensity Score Analysis.” Marriage & Family Review, 50(8): 636-664.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014-11-07

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7206

Publisher

Marriage & Family Review

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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