配偶認識方式之趨勢與婚姻品質之關聯： 以臺灣家庭動態調查之分析

Abstract

隨著時代變遷，經濟和教育發展使得人們對婚姻的看法有了很大的改變。過去，婚姻多由家人安排相親或親友介紹對象，而現在更多的人選擇自主認識配偶。若根據自我決定論（Self-Determination Theory），自主選擇婚姻伴侶會增加個人和社會的適應性，並有助於維持穩定的婚姻關係。然而，自主認識也可能是透過投資模型（Investment Theory）所運行，當個體遇到更具吸引力的替代選項時，有更大的可能離開關係。本研究透過1999至2022年臺灣家庭動態調查（PSFD）之配偶及同居樣本共6,351人，探討自主認識對於婚姻品質與穩定性之影響。結果顯示，整體結婚年齡隨著年代發展而變晚，且自主與非自主認識的結婚年齡差距擴大。自主認識較符合投資模型的理論，配偶會預測較不穩定的婚姻狀態。控制性別的影響後，婚姻時長及自主認識都不影響婚姻品質。最後，自主認識下，女性婚姻品質較差的情況會改善。總結而言，雖然自主認識的人數上升，但是選擇適合自己的認識方式更為重要。同時，我們建議社會應持續建立女性自主認識的支持環境。此研究結果整理配偶認識方式之趨勢變化以及整合性看法，希望能為未來相關研究提供有價值的參考，推動領域進一步發展。

The methods of meeting couples have undergone significant changes, shifting from arranged introductions by family and friends to autonomous partner selection. According to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), autonomously choosing a partner tends to result in better marital quality. Autonomous meeting may also operate through the framework of Investment Theory, wherein individuals encountering more attractive alternatives are more likely to exit relationships. Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate which method, autonomous or non-autonomous partner selection, contributes to better marital quality. This study, utilizing data from the Taiwan Panel Study of Family Dynamics (PSFD) spanning from 1999 to 2022, comprising a sample of 6,351 married and cohabitating individuals, and then examine the impact of autonomous meeting couples on relationship quality and stability. The findings indicate that overall marriage age is progressively increasing with generational shifts, and the age gap between autonomous and non-autonomous partner selection is widening. Autonomous meeting aligns more closely with the theory of Investment Model, where partners predict relatively unstable marital statuses. After controlling for gender, neither marriage duration nor autonomous partner selection significantly affects marital quality. Furthermore, under autonomous partner selection, the quality of marriages among women tends to improve in adverse situations. In conclusion, while both autonomous and non-autonomous methods of partner selection can be effective. Therefore, establishing supportive environments for autonomous partner selection is imperative. This study summarizes the changing trends in partner selection methods and their relationship with marital quality, aiming to aid future research development.