See the Research
The Benefits of Marriage—for Everyone
Does marriage truly make a difference in today’s world?According to research—and what we see in real life—the answer is yes.
Research shows that marriage contributes significantly to personal well-being and the health of our communities. It’s linked to stronger families, better mental and physical health, greater financial stability, and lower rates of crime and domestic violence. Children raised by their married parents are more likely to thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. In short, marriage offers a protective framework where individuals and families can flourish.
Explore below to see how marriage impacts every area of life—and why it remains a vital part of a strong and healthy society.
Family
Marriage has a big impact on every part of life—physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and even spiritually. It really shapes the lives of both adults and kids in a lot of ways.
Economic
When parents aren’t married or go through a divorce, it can make it harder financially—especially for moms and kids. And while living together might seem like a good alternative, it usually doesn’t help prevent poverty the way marriage can. On top of that, married couples tend to build more wealth over time compared to those who are single or just living together.
Physical Health
Being married is often linked with better overall health. Married people generally deal with fewer injuries, illnesses, and disabilities—this is true for both men and women, and it even holds up among minority groups and lower-income families. Kids benefit too—those living with both their married parents tend to be healthier than kids in other family situations, no matter the income level.
Crime & Domestic Violence
Boys who grow up without both parents at home are more likely to get into trouble or even engage in criminal behavior. And when it comes to safety, married women are generally less likely to experience domestic violence than women who are dating or living with a partner.
Mental Health
Divorce can take a toll on kids emotionally. They’re more likely to struggle with mental health issues when their parents split up. On the other hand, moms who are married tend to report lower levels of depression compared to single moms or those who are cohabiting.