Understanding trends in divorce and relationship stability in the U.S. from 1970 to 2019
Official title: The Divorce Decline and Relationship Stability: 1970-2019
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10741358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how divorce and stable relationships have changed in the U.S. over the last 50 years, focusing on things like living together before marriage and how education, race, and being a parent affect these changes, especially for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $155,516 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD110827-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced or are currently in relationships, particularly those affected by divorce or cohabitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently in relationships or have not experienced divorce may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the trends in divorce and relationship stability in the United States over nearly five decades. It aims to understand how changes in family patterns, such as the rise of cohabitation and the selectivity of marriage, impact relationship stability. By analyzing two comprehensive data sets, the study will explore how factors like education, race/ethnicity, and parenthood status influence these trends. The research also considers the older population, which plays a significant role in divorce rates, to provide a more complete picture of relationship dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into family dynamics that may help inform policies and support systems for individuals navigating relationships.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in analyzing family dynamics and divorce trends, indicating that this approach is grounded in established methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, Christine R. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, Christine R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.