Factors influencing marriage and cohabitation in young adults : a qualitative investigation

Abstract

This research sought to explore factors influencing marriage and cohabitation in young adults. The reasons behind the decisions young adults make in their choice of living arrangements were considered. The acceptance of alternative living arrangements is a relatively new phenomenon in western society, which leads to the suggestion that further research should be conducted in order to gain more insight into the reasons why it appears to be a growing trend. Six individuals participated, three of which were soon to marry and the latter in a cohabiting relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after which a structured questionnaire was administered for demographic purposes. The data was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results and discussion in this study suggests that there are several factors involved in young adults' decisions to get married or cohabit, most of which involve the interplay between the individual, the couple's relationship and society. Suggestions for support and implications for further research were also identified.