“Not Just Me Anymore.” A Qualitative Study of Transitioning to Marriage after Cohabitation

Abstract

Premarital cohabitation could influence the transition to marriage by cultivating the belief that getting married will have little effect on a relationship that has already taken root through cohabitation. Yet uncertainty about a relationship could influence cohabiting couples to hold back some investment in their relationship until marriage. This qualitative study of 36 individuals (18 newlywed couples) investigated the transition from cohabitation to marriage by focusing on perceived differences between premarital cohabitation and marriage while adjusting to being married. Newlyweds typically identified changes and they were often unexpected. Several themes emerged pertaining to the deepening and solidifying of the relationship and changes in approaching conflict. Marital permanence was an overarching metatheme that was reflected throughout the findings. Results are discussed in the context of relationship certainty, investment, and delayed dedication. Implications for the potential of cohabitation to mirror marriage are discussed.