The Benefits of Marriage

A new study suggests that marriage does not necessarily provide more or better benefits than other romantic relationships.  From UPI:

"We found that differences between marriage and cohabitation tend to be small and dissipate after a honeymoon period. Also while married couples experienced health gains -- likely linked to the formal benefits of marriage such as shared healthcare plans -- cohabiting couples experienced greater gains in happiness and self-esteem," Musick and Bumpass said in a statement. "For some, cohabitation may come with fewer unwanted obligations than marriage and allow for more flexibility, autonomy and personal growth."

The study, scheduled to be published in the February issue of the Journal of Marriage and Family, said marriage is by no means unique in promoting well-being and that other forms of romantic relationships can provide many of the same benefits.

Read more here.  The study is available in the February 2012 issue of Journal of Marriage and Family in the article "Reexamining the Case for Marriage: Union Formation and Changes in Well-Being" by Kelly Musick and Larry Bumpass. 

 

MR