This study, using 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Households d
ata, has examined the prevalence and characteristics of ever-separated
white women who attempt a marital reconciliation. Marital reconciliat
ions are quite common as 44% of the separated women attempt a reconcil
iation. There is some support for the thesis that those with the fewes
t resources and greatest reliance on the relationship are the most lik
ely to attempt a reconciliation. In comparing these findings with prev
ious research on the marital dissolution process, there is little cons
istency in the relationship that the sociodemographic variables have w
ith attempting a reconciliation and with the success of an attempted r
econciliation. The implications of these findings are discussed.