Relationship Quality in Hungary – Possible Trajectories and Determinants

Dávid Erát , University of Pécs

In this paper, I examine the relationship quality trajectories of Hungarian women and men between 2001 and 2012. I argue that instead of a single-trajectory approach suggested by many theoretical models, focus should be on the identification of the multiple possible relationship quality trajectories. The aim of the paper is to identify these distinct trajectories, and to examine which risk factors are associated with them, using the Hungarian Gender and Generations panel data. With group-based trajectory analysis, four separate trajectory groups were identified in the women’s sample, while three were found in the men’s sample. These trajectory groups varied by initial levels of relationship quality, and by increasing, decreasing or stable trends. Regarding risk factors, focus was on time-fixed socio-economic and relationship-specific variables. While relationship-specific variables, especially conflict resolution were found to be the most influential for both women and men, socio-economic risk factors were only associated with lower levels of relationship quality for women.

See paper

 Presented in Session 99. Relationship Development