Same-sex marriages and heterosexual marriages show similar longevity

Among couples with marriage-like commitments, same-sex couples have a similar break-up rate as heterosexual couples, according to a recent study. The study also found that same-sex couples with a marriage-like commitment have stable unions regardless of government recognition.

The findings come from a nationally representative survey of 3,009 couples (471 same-sex) who were followed between 2009 and 2013.

"The marriage commitment is associated with a strong benefit in couple stability for both heterosexual couples and same-sex couples," said Dr. Michael J. Rosenfeld, author of the Journal of Marriage and Family study.