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Union Formation and Dissolution: Using SIPP 2014 to Measure Relationship Transitions in a Year

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Working Paper Number SEHSD-WP2018-07

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is a long-standing nationally representative longitudinal survey that measures economic, family, and housing indicators. Every SIPP panel follows individuals over several years, providing monthly data that measures changes in family and household composition. In 2014, SIPP was redesigned to ask respondents about changes over the last year in their marital status, residence, labor force participation, health insurance coverage, and program use. Previously, respondents were interviewed every four months about changes in these domains. SIPP is the only U.S. Census Bureau survey that collects data showing dynamic changes in a wide variety of measures across a 12-month period. Moreover, SIPP is the only survey that measures marital and cohabitation relationship transitions for all adults (many surveys limit collection to those under 50 years old) and a direct measure of multiple partner fertility. These data, along with economic and program use questions, data on child well-being and housing security, and demographic profiles allow for a comprehensive look at people who have union transitions and allows this study to include multiple measures to predict union formation and union dissolution. With this unique source of data, the study aims to examine relationship transitions over a year for respondents.

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
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