There is a widespread belief, particularly within the more conservative religious groups, that living together before marriage leads to more marriage breakups. Earlier research did support this contention. However, more recent research challenges this claim and looks at the issue with more nuance (
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- "As researchers move toward a more nuanced understanding of what cohabitation means for the future of unmarried romantic partners, several factors urgently need to be considered, according to the experts I spoke with. Lehmiller said studies of cohabitation should start working with data sets that include same-sex couples and move away from equating the stability of a marriage with its success. 'Some people have views about marriage that would lead them to stay in one even if it’s not satisfying,' he said. In other words, just because a marriage lasts doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best outcome for either party."
