Having a healthy marriage is not just a luxury item, it's something we should strive for and expect. Marriage researchers have determined that having a healthy, happy, fulfilling marriage benefits all family members. Below are marriage statistics from research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Healthy Marriage Initiative.
We believe God knew these benefits existed with the marriage of man and woman and that is why He instituted it. Modern research simply echoes what God says in His Word.
Benefits of Healthy Marriages For Children and Youth (Marriage Statistics)
Researchers have found many benefits for children and youth who are raised by parents in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following statistics:
- More likely to attend college
- More likely to succeed academically
- Physically healthier
- Emotionally healthier
- Less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol
- Less likely to commit delinquent behaviors
- Less likely to be a victim of physical or sexual abuse
- Be open and honest with the couples you help
- Seek wisdom and understanding from God
- Have a better relationship with their mothers and fathers
- Decreases their chances of divorcing when they get marriedp
- Less likely to become pregnant as a teenager, or impregnate someone
- Less likely to be sexually active as teenagersy
- Less likely to contract STD's
- Less likely to be raised in poverty
Benefits of a Healthy Marriage for Women
Researchers have found many benefits for women who are in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following statistics:
- More satisfying relationship
- Emotionally healthier
- Wealthier
- Less likely to be victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes
- Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
- Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse
- Less likely to contract STD's
- Less likely to remain or end up in poverty
- Have better relationships with their children
- Physically healthier
Benefits of a Healthy Marriage for Men
Researchers have found many benefits for men who are in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following statistics:
- Live longer
- Physically healthier
- Wealthier
- Increase in the stability of employment
- Higher wages
- Emotionally healthier
- Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse
- Have better relationships with their children
- More satisfying sexual relationship
- Less likely to commit violent crimes
- Less likely to contract STD's
- Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
Benefits of Healthy Marriages for Communities
Researchers have found many benefits for communities when they have a higher percentage of couples in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following statistics:
- Higher rates of physically healthy citizens
- Higher rates of emotionally healthy citizens
- Higher rates of educated citizens
- Lower domestic violence rates
- Lower crime statistics
- Lower teen age pregnancy rates
- Lower rates of juvenile delinquency
- Higher rates of home ownership
- Lower rates of migration
- Higher property values
- Decreased need for social services
Source: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/benefits/index.html