Sacrifices for the Partner and Relational Commitment During the Transition to Parenthood for Pregnant, Unmarried, Cohabitors: A Pilot Study

• In Event: The Complexities of Parenting

Abstract

In this paper, we review cohabitation literature and seek to explain how certain predictors can differentiate committed versus less committed cohabitors. We have compiled the results of an ongoing study unmarried, cohabiting couples who are expecting a child together. Participants completed measures of relational sacrifice and frequency, difficulty, and partner awareness of relational sacrifices with in-depth commitment interviews. We conclude that relational sacrifices can be used to differentiate levels of commitment among unmarried, pregnant, cohabitors.

Authors

• Valerie Young, University of Arizona

• Melissa A. Curran, University of Arizona