Researchers have found that individuals considering divorce make their decision
to stay or leave based on the rewards they gain from the marriage, the barriers against
leaving the marriage, their perceptions about finding a better relationship, and the amount
of investment they have made in their marriage.111 Some individuals decide to stay
together even if the rewards from marriage are currently low when there are important
barriers to divorce, such as concerns about money, the effects of family breakup on their
children, religious beliefs about the importance of marriage, disapproval from family
and friends, or fears of being single again.112 Similarly, some will decide to stay with the
marriage if they don’t think their prospects for a better relationship are good. Also, if
individuals have invested many years in a marriage, have children together and a home
and other possessions, then they are more hesitant to leave.113 As we mentioned earlier,
barriers to leaving a marriage can keep marriages together in the short run. However,
unless there is improvement in the relationship, eventually the barriers are usually not
enough to keep a marriage together in the long run.114 Eventually, the rewards of a
healthy and happy marriage—love, friendship, and a shared life—are the stronger glue
that keeps couples together.