COHABITATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION AND PARTNER WELL-BEING

Abstract

The article provides an overview of contemporary research on non-marital cohabitation and its psychological and sociocultural dimensions in comparison with marriage. It examines the transformation of intimate relationship models since the mid-twentieth century and focuses on two central questions: whether levels of relationship satisfaction and perceived stability differ between married and cohabiting couples, and which personal and emotional factors most strongly influence relationship quality. The reviewed literature suggests that overall satisfaction is often comparable across relationship types; however, the absence of an explicitly stated long-term commitment may reduce the sense of security and stability. The findings emphasize that key predictors of well-being include attachment style, quality of communication, and emotional regulation, as well as the broader economic and cultural context. The article concludes that relationship well-being depends more on emotional reciprocity and commitment than on the formal legal status of the union.