Within the scope of the research in the Journal of Consumer Resource, published in the USA, 230 couples were observed for two years.
It was shared that three-quarters of the couples included in the study are white, 12 percent are black, their average household income is 50 thousand dollars and 10 percent of the couples have children.
One of the researchers, Jenny Olson, from the Department of Marketing at Indiana University, stated that 230 first-time married couples first started the process with separate bank accounts, and then divided the participants into 3 groups.
Olson explained that the first group was instructed to continue with separate bank accounts, the second group to switch to a joint account, and the third group to decide for themselves.
Stating that they observed that the bond between the couples who were told to open a joint bank account was significantly stronger than those who had separate accounts, Olson said that these couples said that they felt that they were together more intensely.
Olson explains that couples who use joint bank accounts have a transparent relationship and say, “I want to help you because you need it. I don’t follow if you will help me later.” stated that they acted with the understanding.
Stating that couples with separate accounts see their financial relationships as “exchange”, Olson said, “I am helping you because you will help me later.” He pointed out that they acted with logic.
Olson stressed that most couples with separate bank accounts come to the conclusion that it is potentially easier to end their relationship.