CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF COHABITATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MARRIAGE, COHABITATION AND LAT/LTA MODELS

Abstract

The present article examines the diversity of contemporary partnership arrangements through a comparative analysis of traditional marriage, non-marital cohabitation, and the alternative models of Living Apart Together (LAT) and Living Together Apart (LTA). The empirical and theoretical evidence presented outlines key differences in relationship quality, mental health, and partnership stability across these forms. The findings indicate that although all types of partnership are associated with better psychological well-being compared to singlehood, marriage remains the most stable and satisfying configuration—particularly for men. At the same time, LAT and LTA models reflect the growing need for more flexible and individualized approaches to intimate relationships. Economic factors, as well as social perceptions, emerge as decisive in the formation and maintenance of these alternative unions. The study emphasizes the importance of subjective definitions of partnership and calls for a reconsideration of normative conceptions of cohabitation in contemporary society.