Predictors of Marriage and Dissolution amongst Cohabiting Couples

Brett Beattie, Pennsylvania State University

This study assesses the relative risk of moving into a marriage relationship among cohabiting couples as opposed to dissolution. Various studies have posited a link between human and economic capital attainment and the likelihood of marriage. Using longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1997 we are able assess how both personal and couple level variables impact the likelihood of a transition into marriage. It was found that being enrolled reduced the odds of both marriage and dissolution; it was also found that rises in income also increased the odds of both marriage and union dissolution. These results suggest that people are using cohabitation as a base while they establish themselves and once they have reached a certain level of stability in their economic lives, and then make major decisions about their family life.