A 2011 research study on single men and women aged 18-36 found widespread fears about divorce—even among those whose parents hadn't divorced. The researchers interviewed 122 cohabitating couples and found "clues about what's preventing young adults from tying the knot." More than two-thirds of the respondents worried about their ability to form enduring marriages. They frequently mentioned the desire to "do it right" and marry only once to the ideal partner. The respondents also frequently mentioned the consequences of a failed marriage—emotional pain, social embarrassment, child custody concerns, and legal and financial issues.

The director of the study concluded, "Today's young adults express a great deal of concern about their ability to 'succeed' at marriage, and many who are living together question whether their relationships really differ that much from the state-sanctioned version."