Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (pairfam): Conceptual framework and design

This article introduces the DFG-funded "Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics" (pairfam) study, which was initiated to provide an extended empirical basis for advances in family research. Within the context of challenges in couples and family research, we address the major substantive fields covered by the pairfam panel: couple dynamics and partnership stability, childbearing, parenting and child development, and intergenerational relationships. Then we present the conceptual framework and survey design of pairfam. The panel started with about 4,000 respondents (anchors) in each of three birth cohorts: 1991-1993, 1981-1983, and 1971-1973. The panel also includes anchors' partners. From the second wave onwards parents and children of anchors are included. The policy of pairfam with regard to the provision of scientific use files and data distribution are discussed in the concluding remarks.