University of Maryland sociologist Philip N. Cohen has published a study showing that the U.S. divorce rate dropped during the recession of 2009 to 2011 and is bouncing back for the economic recovery.

This contradicts the notion that economic strain produces more divorces.

Cohen theorizes, “Divorcing presents costs in housing, legal fees, childcare and losses from diminished economies of scale. The recession may have increased the economic barriers that make these costs insurmountable for someone considering a divorce.”