Cohabiting before marriage may lead to what outcome if it was previously stigmatized?

• A. It may lead to a less stable foundation for the relationship if it was previously stigmatized.
• B. It guarantees a smoother path to marriage.
• C. It has no effect on long-term outcomes.
• D. It eliminates stigma altogether.

Answer: (A)

When social norms around relationships are strong, how a couple acts can be shaped by external judgments. If cohabiting before marriage was previously stigmatized, the relationship may face ongoing pressure, reduced support from family or friends, and stress from others’ disapproval. This external strain can undermine trust and create tension, making the foundation feel less stable. So, the most fitting outcome is that the relationship may have a less stable foundation due to those external pressures. It isn’t guaranteed to smooth the path to marriage, it isn’t accurate to say there’s no effect, and stigma isn’t automatically eliminated just by living together beforehand.