Do coresidence and intentions make a difference? Relationship satisfaction in married, cohabiting, and living apart together couples in four countries

Relationship satisfaction of European binational couples in the Netherlands

“…In addition, the employment status of an individual's partner also plays an important role for satisfaction with a relationship. For example, men show to feel happier when their partner stays at home, whereas for women the opposite effect has been detected (Tai et al, 2014;Vanassche et al, 2013). …”

“…Cohabitation can then be the result of economic uncertainty, as a lack of economic resources needed to afford a traditional wedding ceremony 'forces' some couples to cohabit (Huston & Melz, 2004). Furthermore, it has been reported that individuals opting for cohabitation without marriage expectations or plans are often less committed or attached to their relationships (Nock, 1995;Tai et al, 2014), which can in turn explain differences with married couples concerning relationship satisfaction. In addition, the expectation of marriage may result in greater relationship satisfaction among cohabiters who may then subjectively perceive the union as a more 'secure, long-term and less normatively sanctioned' partnership (Tai et al, 2014: 76).…”

“…In addition, the expectation of marriage may result in greater relationship satisfaction among cohabiters who may then subjectively perceive the union as a more 'secure, long-term and less normatively sanctioned' partnership (Tai et al, 2014: 76). Nonetheless, it has also been suggested that attitudes towards cohabitation moderate discrepancies in happiness: where cohabitation is socially accepted and institutionalised, differences are less pronounced or even reversed (Soons & Kalmijn, 2009;Tai et al, 2014;Vanassche, Swicegood, & Matthijs, 2013;Wiik et al, 2012). Whereas in the Netherlands cohabitation is socially accepted and institutionalised (i.e.…”

“…Research into relationship satisfaction of cohabiting and married couples is still scarce in Europe, as most research has been carried out in the United States (Tai, Baxter, & Hewitt, 2014;Wiik, Keizer, & Lappegård, 2012). The majority of studies concluded that married people as well as cohabiters entering marriage or having definite plans to do so, report greater relationship seriousness and satisfaction compared to cohabiters (Brown, 2004;Brown & Booth, 1996;Hansen, Moum, & Shapiro, 2007;Nock, 1995;Stafford, Kline, & Rankin, 2004;Tai et al, 2014;Wiik, Bernhardt, & Noack, 2009;Wiik et al, 2012).…”

Pathways to commitment in living-apart-together relationships in the Netherlands: A study on satisfaction, alternatives, investments and social support

“…Two recent studies found that LAT couples are generally less satisfied with their relationship than married and cohabiting couples are (Lewin, 2017a;Tai, Baxter, & Hewitt, 2014). In a mixed-methods study in Britain, Duncan, Phillips, Carter, Roseneil, & Stoilova, 2014 reported that the relationship practices and perceptions of LAT couples are similar to co-resident couples in terms of sexual exclusivity, emotional closeness and commitment, but are different with respect to caregiving between partners, flexibility and autonomy.…”