1.有伴侶的年輕成人以處於已婚狀態居多，處於未婚狀態次之。處於未婚狀態中，又以處於同居狀態多於處於非同居狀態。從居住安排的角度來看，無論是否結婚，年輕成人多與伴侶同住，反映華人社會結婚後夫妻同住的婚姻觀，及同居在臺灣具有磨合、提前適應婚後生活的功能。從承諾的角度來看，無論是否與伴侶同住，多數人在交往後會計劃結婚，也反映同居、非同居伴侶關係在臺灣是結婚前的過渡階段，亦說明婚姻在臺灣仍是重要的社會制度，進入婚姻仍是重要的生命階段。2.在控制選擇機制、其他因素後，處於已婚同居狀態、處於已婚非同居狀態、處於有結婚意願的同居狀態、處於有結婚意願的非同居狀態四組的關係滿意度並無顯著差異；處於無結婚意願的同居狀態、處於無結婚意願的非同居狀態與之相比則有較低的關係滿意度。3.與選擇機制相比，制度、承諾、居住安排三種機制的影響更具主導性。換言之，比起個人特質，他們更在乎關係是否受法律認可、有無結婚計劃及居住安排為何，因為這些才是雙方評估當前關係是否穩定，具有發展性的關鍵指標。本研究的實證發現有助於更進一步了解臺灣年輕成人的伴侶型態與關係滿意度之關聯。
Drawing on four theoretical perspectives—selection, institutionalization, commitment, and living arrangement—this study utilizes longitudinal data from the Taiwan Youth Project (TYP) and applies Random Effects Model to investigate whether Taiwanese young adults in different union types experience varying levels of relationship satisfaction. This research addresses two primary questions: 1. Are there significant differences in relationship satisfaction across union types among Taiwanese young adults? 2. What mechanisms influence relationship satisfaction within these different union types?
Given the increasing diversity of intimate relationships, this study categorizes union types into six groups: 1. Married and cohabiting. 2. Married but living apart. 3. Cohabiting with the intention to marry. 4. Cohabiting without the intention to marry. 5. In a LAT relationship with the intention to marry. 6. In a LAT relationship without the intention to marry. The main findings are as follows:
First, among partnered young adults, the majority are married, followed by those who are unmarried. Among the unmarried, cohabiting individuals are more common than those in LAT relationships. From a living arrangement perspective, most young adults—regardless of marital status—live with their partner, reflecting the traditional view in Chinese society that married couples should live together. Cohabitation is also seen as a process of adjusting to daily life together and preparing for marriage. From a commitment perspective, most individuals—regardless of living arrangement—tend to plan for marriage after entering a relationship. This suggests that both cohabitation and LAT relationships in Taiwan are often perceived as transitional stages leading to marriage. It also underscores the enduring importance of marriage as a social institution in Taiwan and its role as a major life milestone.
Second, after controlling for selection and other relevant variables, there are no significant differences in relationship satisfaction among those who are married and cohabiting, married but living apart, cohabiting with the intention to marry, and those in a LAT relationship with the intention to marry. However, individuals cohabiting without the intention to marry and those in a LAT relationship without the intention to marry report lower levels of relationship satisfaction.
Third, among the four theoretical perspectives, institutionalization, commitment, and living arrangement are more influential than selection factors. That is, rather than personal characteristics, young adults place greater importance on whether their relationship is legally recognized, whether there is a shared intention to marry, and the nature of their living arrangement. These factors are key indicators in how couples evaluate the stability and long-term potential of their relationships.
Consequently, selection mechanisms—based on individual traits—have a relatively limited impact on the association between union types and relationship satisfaction. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of union types and relationship satisfaction among Taiwanese young adults and contribute to a broader understanding of how intimate relationships evolve in contemporary Taiwanese society.
