If she’s nervous walking to the aisle, it might be best to put that white dress back on the hanger. According to a recent study released by the psychology department at UCLA, a study of “cold feet,” especially in women, is indicative of future marital problems, as reported by CBS. The data will later be published in the Journal of Family Psychology, and followed 232 newlywed couples in Los Angeles over four years. According to CBS, “among women, 19 percent of those who reported cold feet were divorced four years later, compared with 8 percent of those who had no doubts.” Men were comparable, but less—“14 percent who reported premarital doubt were divorced four years later, compared with 9 percent who had no doubts.”
These numbers are interesting, because they show that either women are more nervous about marriage in general, or that men just may not admit to their nerves. Justin Lavner told CBS that “newlywed wives who had doubts about getting married before their wedding were two-and-a-half times more likely to divorce four years later than wives without these doubts.”
The idea of marriage has changed drastically in the U.S. in recent decades. The average marrying age has increased significantly—according to a Pew Social Trends report, the “age at first marriage has never been higher for brides (26.5 years) and grooms (28.7 years).” The increase of age at first marriage coincides with less and less people marrying at all. According to the same report, in 1960, 72 percent of all adults aged 18 and older were married. Today, just 51 percent are.
Perhaps these changing demographics have something to do with the idea of cold feet, and the subsequent effect uncertainty about marriage has on the marriage itself. If you or someone you know is considering divorce—whether you had cold fee or not—don’t go through it alone. Contact a dedicated DuPage County divorce attorney today.
