Marriage
Overview
About Marriage
Marriage is a cornerstone in the study of sexual health. Decades of research show that monogamous relationships have lifelong benefits on individuals, families, the economy, and society.
Evidence consistently points to marriage as the sexual relationship most strongly associated with lasting satisfaction, deeper bonding, and healthier patterns of attachment. Unlike cohabitation, marriage signals a deep, mutual commitment that fosters emotional connection and a stable foundation for family life.1
Consider the next generation. Children raised in married, two-parent households tend to experience greater stability, reflecting how the health of the couple’s relationship can influence the parent–child bond. On a broader scale, monogamous marriage is linked with emotional intimacy, greater relational security, and a reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections.1
Across our research, the findings are clear. Marriage yields a positive impact on our world.
Last updated on May 7, 2026
1W. B. Wilcox, J. R. Anderson, W. Doherty et al., “Why Marriage Matters, Third Edition: Thirty Conclusions from the Social Sciences” (New York: Institute for American Values National Marriage Project, 2011).
Where the
Research Leads
What You Can Do
Here are helpful resources for policymakers working to advocate for marriage policies:
7 Ways States Can Strengthen Marriage and Families
A Proposed Model for State Policy Initiatives to Strengthen Marriage
Here are helpful resources for educators seeking guidance on how to teach others on the value of marriage:
The Power of the Success Sequence for Disadvantaged Young Adults
Parents play the most influential role in shaping their children’s attitudes toward sex and marriage. Model the benefits of long-term commitment and communicate openly about healthy relationships.
Here are helpful resources for anyone seeking to align their ideologies or the ideologies of their organization with the latest research and resources on marriage:
Further Reading
