Zeitschriftenartikel
Future life plans and relationship formation: a bidirectional approach based on evidence from Finland
Journal of Marriage and Family, 1–16 (2025)
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the prospective and bidirectional association between personal identity processes and relatinship formation using longitudinal survey data from Finland.
Background: Although psychological factors have increasingly been studied as determinants for family formation processes, the role of identity exploration and commitment processes for relationship formation has been underexplored. We show that identity (un)certainty in the domain of future life plans is an important driver for relationship formation, and that relationship status may shape identity (un)certainty in turn.
Method: We apply event-history analyses in order to study the prospective power of both separate identity processes (variable-centered approach) and clusters of these (person-oriented approach) on relationship formation risks. Furthermore, we conduct fixed effects linear regression models for examining identity development over time based on relationship status.
Results: Findings suggest that identity uncertainty is negatively, and certainty is positively associated with relationship formation risks over time. Results based on cluster analyses support these findings, i.e. committers are more likely to enter a relationship, in particular marriage, than explorers. Mixed findings with regards to identity development over time emerge. Whereas
firm identity (i.e. commitment) remains stable over time among partnered individuals, it decreases among singles. However, relaionship status does not impact exploration developments.
Conclusion: Relationship formation decisions in contemporary Finland are intertwined with the (un)certainty of personal identity.
Schlagwörter: Finnland, cohabitation, marriage