Longitudinal Associations of Global and Daily Support with Marital Status

Abstract

The provision and receipt of emotional support demonstrates benefits for relationships; however, little research has investigated how either global or day-to-day spousal support influences marital stability. This project assessed how global perception of support from a partner and daily provision and receipt of emotional support over 1 week contributed to divorce 10 years later, accounting for demographic covariates. There were no significant associations of support variables with future divorce. Greater education attainment was the only factor significantly associated with decreased risk for divorce. Results suggest that despite potential short-term benefits, global and daily support may not predict long-term marital stability.