A variety of studies show a good marriage is something worth working for

By Lois M. Collins

Brad Wilcox has an urgent message, just in time for Valentine’s Day: “Get Married.”

It’s the title of his new book and one of the subjects of his life’s work as a sociologist at the University of Virginia, home to the National Marriage Project, which he directs.

It’s also a heartfelt belief that he backs with reams of science.

Asked five reasons why people should marry, Wilcox emails this list: More sex. Less loneliness. More meaning. Better-adjusted kids. And a lot more happiness. “Nothing matters more than a good marriage for happiness today,” he told Deseret News. “Not money, education, job satisfaction, sexual frequency or even religious attendance.”

He said that a healthy marriage and good family environment “are more reliable pathways to a meaningful and happy life than even a good job.”

Wilcox is not alone in the belief that a good marriage brings meaning, companionship, more resources and greater life satisfaction to life. A long look at Gallup poll results shows it. Published studies in well-known journals show it. Reports like one just released by BYU’s Wheatley Institute called “The Soulmate Trap” show the benefits of a happy union.

So during National Marriage Week, on a Hallmark-card kind of holiday meant to celebrate romantic love — the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics estimate consumers planned to spend $25.8 billion or about $185.81 per person for Valentine’s Day 2024 — let’s look at what’s new in marriage news.

Marriage brings happiness

When Wilcox looked at the 2022 General Social Survey while researching his latest book, he said it showed a very small share of couples are not happy in their marriage. And if they’re not happy in their marriage, they’re not happy generally. They are certainly less happy than their single peers, he said.

Other experts, too, have noted the importance of the word “good” or “healthy” in singing marriage’s praises. Kids do better when their parents have a good partnership.

https://www.deseret.com/2024/2/12/24063635/marriage-happiness-sex-family-americans-research-valentines-day