There may be two possible reasons for the positive relationship between cohabitation and divorce: (1)a selection effect, and (2)a causal link.

Question

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The selection effect refers to the idea that those who choose to cohabit may be more likely to have characteristics associated with divorce, such as a lower commitment to the institution of marriage. This can cause a positive relationship between cohabitation and divorce rates. A causal link would suggest that cohabitation itself causes divorce, which is not supported by all research.

There May Be Two Possible Reasons for the Positive Relationship