Last updated on February 12th, 2015 at 11:44 am
This is what 50% of couples aged 25-34 surveyed by law firm Slater & Gordon said when asked if they would stay in an unhappy marriage with children. This study canvassed more than 2000 married and defacto couples. Interestingly only 44% of those aged 44-54 would remain married. Couples married for three to four years were the most likely to stay in the relationship.
What is going on here in these interesting figures? As a relationship psychologist I am intrigued.
Are the younger generation more optimistic and traditional?
Or are the older couples less likely to continue in the disillusionment of a troubled relationship?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the divorce rate is at it’s lowest level since 1975. Add to that a steady increase in marriage rates since 2001.
We are coupling up and staying together with the median length of marriage 12 years together, increasing from 10 years in the 1980’s.
Certainly people marrying are more likely to have lived together, are more mature and experienced in the world says Australian Institute of Family Studies senior researcher Lixia Qu.
It’s is a real blessing when you add children into the mix, knowing your partner well. As this life transition can be a challenge for all the love and happiness children bring.
It is encouraging to hear this type of news.
Keep up the wedded bliss Australia!