Making marriages last
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September 2001
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Abstract
Why do some marriages dissolve in a relatively short space of time, while others go on for as long as 75 years or more, still vibrant happy relationships enjoyed by both partners? This article examines theoretical explanations of how marriages 'succeed' or 'fail' and reviews three studies that have gone to the source and asked long-married couples how they explain the longevity of their marriage.
Why do some marriages dissolve in a relatively short space of time, while others go on for as long as 75 years or more, still vibrant happy relationships enjoyed by both partners? This article examines theoretical explanations of how marriages 'succeed' or 'fail' and reviews three studies that have gone to the source and asked long-married couples how they explain the longevity of their marriage.