Abstract
Objective
This study compared the relationship quality of US midlife adults in dating, living apart together (LAT) relationships, cohabitation, and marriage.
Background
Unmarried partnerships are gaining ground in midlife but how these partnerships compare to each other and to marriage is unclear. From an incomplete institutionalization perspective, those in unmarried relationships, especially LAT relationships but also cohabitations, face challenges due to unclear relationship norms and expectations, which may eventuate in poorer relationship quality than that of the married. Alternatively, cohabitation and, by extension, LAT relationships offer flexibility and autonomy and thus may function as an alternative to marriage marked by comparable relationship quality.
Method
Data were drawn from the 2013 Families and Relationships Survey, a nationally representative survey of US adults. The analytic sample was composed of adults aged 50–65 in a partnership (N = 2166). Multivariable models compared the associations between relationship type (dating, LAT, cohabiting, and married) and relationship quality (happiness, support, commitment, disagreement, and instability).
Results
The incomplete institutionalization perspective was supported for LATs, who tended to report poorer relationship quality than marrieds. For cohabitors, this perspective received mixed support. Although cohabitors reported less happiness and commitment than marrieds, which aligned with the incomplete institutionalization perspective, the groups did not differ on relationship support, disagreement, or instability, supporting the cohabitation as an alternative to marriage perspective. Dating, LAT, and cohabiting relationships were remarkably alike.
Conclusion
This study has implications for understanding the shifting landscape of relationships in midlife which in turn may shape individual health and well-being.