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Trajectories of Couple Relationship Quality after Childbirth: Does Marriage Matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Marcia J. Carlson

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Alicia G. VanOrman

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Abstract

Marital quality typically declines after the birth of a (first) child, as parenthood brings new identities and responsibilities for mothers and fathers. Yet, it is less clear whether nonmarital, cohabiting relationship quality follows a similar trajectory. This paper uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N=2,108) with latent growth curve models to examine relationship quality for co-resident couples over nine years after a child's birth. Findings suggest that marriage at birth is protective for couple relationship quality, net of various individual characteristics associated with marriage, compared to all cohabiting couples at birth; however, marriage does not differentiate relationship quality compared to the subset of stably-cohabiting couples. Also, cohabiting couples who get married after the birth have better relationship quality compared to all cohabitors who do not marry though again, not compared to stably-cohabiting couples.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcia J. Carlson & Alicia G. VanOrman, 2013. "Trajectories of Couple Relationship Quality after Childbirth: Does Marriage Matter?," Working Papers 1481, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:crcwel:wp13-14-ff.pdf
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    File URL: https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/wp13-14-ff.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cynthia Osborne & Sara McLanahan, 2007. "Partnership Instability and Child Well-being," Working Papers 946, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    2. Lee Lillard & Constantijn Panis, 1996. "Marital status and mortality: The role of health," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 33(3), pages 313-327, August.
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    4. Reichman, Nancy E. & Teitler, Julien O. & Garfinkel, Irwin & McLanahan, Sara S., 2001. "Fragile Families: sample and design," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(4-5), pages 303-326.
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    7. DeKlyen, M. & Brooks-Gunn, J. & McLanahan, S. & Knab, J., 2006. "The mental health of married, cohabiting, and non-coresident parents with infants," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(10), pages 1836-1841.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Marriage; children; parenthood; cohabiting; quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • D19 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Other

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