I
came across an interesting article from Catholic Match Institute that gives a fascinating
summary of the benefits spouses and children receive from a lasting marriage. The
list of these benefits comes from academic journals and institutes that have
done longitudinal studies on the effects of marriage. I believe these benefits are a great blessing
to the family and I would like to share them with you.
Husbands
& wives
Married men and women are generally healthier and live longer
lives than their single peers.[1]
“The norms of adult maturity and fidelity associated with
marriage encourage men and women to avoid unhealthy or risky behaviors—from
promiscuous sex to heavy alcohol use.”[2]
“Happily married adults report fewer depressive symptoms than
all other marital groups.”[3]; and especially for women, marriage combats depression,
provides particularly high psychological benefits and significantly lowers the
risk of suicide.[4]
Husband and wife are more economically stable than their
unmarried peers. Contemporary married couples with children earn a median
annual income of $67,670.00 as compared to single-parent families with a median
annual income of $24,408.00.[5]
Typically, the capacity of a married couple’s household exceeds
that of a single-parent household by nearly three times the amount in income.[6]
Children
Research suggests that the best source of emotional stability
and good physical health for children is the stable, happy marriage of the
mother and father.[7]
Children raised in intact married families are more likely to
attend college, are physically and emotionally healthier than their peers
raised in non-married families.[8]
Children receive gender specific support from having a mother
and a father. Research shows that particular roles of mothers (e.g., to
nurture) and fathers (e.g., to discipline), as well as complex biologically
rooted interactions, are important for the psychological development of boys
and girls.[9]
Children from stable, married families are significantly less
likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, and thoughts
of suicide compared to children from divorced homes.[10]
“The rate of virginity among teenagers at all ages is highly
correlated with the presence or absence of married parents.[11]
Here is the link if you are interested in learning more.