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Several studies have found that couples who live together before marriage are more likely to get divorced. But do the numbers tell the whole story?

In this special Valentine's Day episode of RadioEd, Emma speaks with psychologist and University of Denver research professor Scott Stanley about why cohabitating before you say "I do" doesn't necessarily mean your relationship won't last. As he reveals, it's all about commitment, communication and clarity.

Show Notes:

Scott Stanley, Ph.D., is a research professor and co-director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver. He has published widely with research interests including commitment, cohabitation, communication, conflict, risk factors for divorce, the prevention of marital distress, and couple development before marriage. Along with Dr. Howard Markman and colleagues, he has been involved in the research, development, and refinement of the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) for over 30 years.Among various projects, Stanley and colleagues (Elizabeth Allen, Howard Markman, & Galena Rhoades) are conducting a large, randomized trial of a variant of PREP in the U. S. Army, funded by NICHD.

Stanley, Galena Rhoades, and Howard Markman have also conducted a longitudinal study of cohabitation and couple development that was funded by NICHD. Various studies are in progress with this national data set of individuals involved in serious relationships but who were not married at the start of the study. Stanley has authored or co-authored various books including Fighting for Your Marriage, The Power of Commitment, and A Lasting Promise. He is a founder of PREP and co-author of the Within Our Reach, an experiential-based curriculum for couples, and the Within My Reach, an experiential-based curriculum for individuals.

Original source can be found here.