Cohort differences in relationship quality show decline on three dimensions, indicating instability remains low among cohabitors.
Key Points
Relationship quality declined on three of six dimensions among recent U.S. cohabitors, despite lower overall quality.
The data were analyzed using logistic regression models across cohorts from the National Survey of Families and Households and the Families and Relationships Survey.
Increased relationship duration and fewer transitions to marriage reflect evolving cohabitor dynamics in recent decades.
Findings suggest further examination is needed to understand health-related impacts of changing cohabitation trends.