Social Support and Divorce among American Couples

Bibliographic Data

ID2348041
AuthorsMarina Haddock Potter (0000-0002-8682-3221, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume42
Issue1
Pages88-109
Publication date2021-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Family Issues (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0192-513X • E-ISSN: 1552-5481
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0192513x20916830
OpenAlexW3024089896
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited60

This study investigates the relationship between extradyadic social support and divorce risk, net of existing need for support. Social support aids couples in weathering challenges but social ties may also enable divorce or compete with spousal relationships. Using a nationally representative sample of married couples in the National Survey of Families and Households ( N = 7,321), this study employs discrete-time event history models to test the associations of perceived support and help received with divorce risk. Results indicate that perceived support is positively associated with divorce, and this relationship persists even after accounting for couples' needs. Specifically, perceived emotional support positively predicts divorce risk. This finding suggests that social ties may sometimes challenge marital relationships or facilitate divorce

Developmental psychology · Emotional support · Marital status · Social support · Sociology · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Demography · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology · Social Psychology

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