AN EXAMINATION OF EVER-DIVORCED WOMEN WHO ATTEMPTED A MARITAL RECONCILIATION BEFORE BECOMING DIVORCED

Using 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Household data, this stu dy provides some insight as to the prevalence and characteristics of e ver-divorced white women who attempted a martial reconciliation before becoming divorced. In about 30% of the first marriages that end in di vorce in the United States, a period of separation and reconciliation has preceded the woman's divorce. Using multivariate analysis, we find that age at first separation and duration between marriage and first separation have a significant negative relationship with attempting a reconciliation before becoming divorced. Education and age homogamy be tween the spouses are also significantly related to attempting a recon ciliation. The implications of these results are discussed.