A lot of studies have been made about how marriage uplifts emotional stability in couples. However a new research suggests that couples who choose to live together rather than officially tying the know may be more beneficial.
Researchers from Ohio Stae University published in the Journal of Family Psychology indicated that moving in for women with a romantic partner creates the same decline in emotional distress as compared to getting married for the first time. Men however, showed significant increase In emotional stability when they are married for the first time. The study shows that both genders are happier moving in together and then take the leap to making it an official commitment.
Both men and women show similar increase in emotional health when in their second relationships, they move in or get married.
According to Claire Kamp Dush, who is the co-author and associate professor of Human Sciences at Ohio State, results could actually affect the "stigma" in living together before marriage.
"At one time marriage may have been seen as the only way for young couples to get the social support and companionship that is important for emotional health."
Kush also added, "It's not that way anymore. We're finding that marriage isn't necessary to reap the benefits of living together, at least when it comes to emotional health."
The study was conducted based on asurvey of 8,700 people in the US born between 1980 and 1984 who were interviewed every other year between 2000 to 2010. The subjects were questioned about their relationships and answered questions catering to their emotional stability. Whether in the past month they feel "calm and peaceful," "downhearted and blue," or "so down in the dumps that nothing could cheer you up."
The study was limited however, as the participants were not asked about the quality of their relationship, and their emotional stability was only tested biannually over 10 years.
The survey and study indicate that "cohabitation and marriage" have various emotional effect over a long period of time. The study also showed that for thos who chose to move in and love together before getting married benefit much and get more of a happiness boost than those who choose to marry after courtship.
