Marital Status Continuity and Change Among Young and Midlife Adults

Abstract

Using a life course theoretical framework, this study examined longitudinal effects of continuity and transitions in marital status on multiple dimensions of psychological well-being. Data came from National Survey of Families and Households 1987-1993 respondents ages 19 to 65 ( N = 6,948). Differences between men and women as well as between young and midlife adults were investigated. Multivariate analyses revealed a complex pattern of effects depending on the contrast and the outcome examined. Although marriage continued to promote well-being for both men and women, in some cases—for example, autonomy, personal growth—the single fared better than the married. The effects of continuity in single status were not very different for women in contrast to men. The transition to divorce or widowhood was associated with somewhat more negative effects for women. Midlife adults evidenced more psychological resilience than young adults did in facing the challenges of a marital transition or remaining single over time.