Relational expectations of cohabiting couples compared to married couples

Abstract

Using data from a sample of 74 undergraduates (54% Women, 46% Men), I examine relational expectations held toward married and cohabiting couples, and how expectations vary for women and men. The hypotheses include: H1 Cohabiting respondents will report higher expectations for cohabiting targets and married respondents will report higher expectations in the married targets; H2 Women respondents will report higher expectations toward women and men targets than men report. The study design involved 474 students; with the criteria for selection of respondents, 400 respondents were omitted from analyses. The results indicate support for H1 regarding relationship status in the case of physical expectations, and support for H2 regarding respondent gender in the case of social/leisure expectations and verbal expectations.