All actions have consequences, and cohabitation is no exception. This extract is taken from A report on cohabitation or marriage, where outlines from available scientific journals show the real consequences of this increasingly common way of living.
Cohabitation and divorce
One of the main arguments in favour of couples living together before marriage is that it allows them a trial period in which to confirm their compatibility and commitment and so avoid an unhappy marriage.
These so-called 'trial marriages' are supposed to reduce the likelihood of future divorce. Yet an examination of the facts shows the converse to be true. Data from the General Household Survey (1993) shows that a couple who cohabit before marriage are, on average, twice as likely to divorce as a couple who do not cohabit before marriage.
