New Data Reveals Increase in Marriage and Decrease in Divorce Rates
As the United States emerges from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, recent data indicates a rise in marriage rates and a decline in divorce rates. Discover the reasons behind this shifting trend according to experts.
After the Covid-19 lockdowns, 2022 saw a surge in marriages, as per the latest data.
The data indicates that the number of marriages declined when the pandemic began. According to recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, the marriage rate had been relatively stable for the past two decades, hovering around 7 to 8 per 1,000 people per year.
In 2020, the marriage rate dropped to 5.1 per 1,000 people. However, the following year saw an increase in the rate. By 2022, the number of marriages had risen to 6.2 per capita and over 2 million in a year, according to the report.
Being married was associated with significantly higher reports of happiness, the data showed.
Being married was associated with significantly higher reports of happiness, the data showed.
Jacob Wackerhausen/iStockphoto/Getty Images
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Marissa Nelson, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Washington, DC, pointed out that the increase in marriage rates might not just be attributed to rescheduling.
During the lockdown, couples faced a unique challenge that forced them to be intentional about important aspects of their relationship such as finances, compromise, and autonomy. This experience helped many individuals gain a clearer understanding of what they truly need in a life partner, according to Nelson.
Divorce rates are going down
Intentionality may also be behind declining divorce rates, she added.
In 2022, the divorce rate stood at 2.4 per 1,000 people. This rate is slightly higher than the previous year's rate of 2.3, but it is still part of a trend of decreasing divorce rates.
In contrast, in the year 2000, the divorce rate was at 4 per 1,000 people. This shows a significant decrease in the divorce rate over the past two decades.
During lockdown, many couples found themselves facing relationship issues head-on while stuck at home together, according to Nelson. This could have either led to more conflict or laid a stronger foundation for a stable future, she explained.
Moreover, changes over the past twenty years have contributed to this shift. Therapy has become more accepted, marital roles have become more flexible, and people are more comfortable discussing their expectations for their marriages, Nelson noted.
Changing how we pick our partners
Another big change recently has been the way people enter marriages, said Ian Kerner, a licensed marriage and family therapist and CNN contributor.
Over the past ten years in my practice, I have observed a change in the type of marriages people are seeking. Instead of focusing on passion, many are now choosing partners who they see as more like best friends, which I refer to as a 'companionate marriage,' as shared in an email by Kerner.
While this shift may lead to challenges in maintaining attraction, it also means that individuals are selecting partners based on traits that are conducive to fostering long-lasting stability and happiness, as discussed in a previous article by Kerner on CNN.
Dr. Monica O’Neal, a psychologist from Boston, explains that commitment involves forming a strong connection with another person. She emphasizes that the ideal commitment is having a trustworthy and reliable partner who will support you through challenges.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the resurgence of marriages and the decline in divorce rates post-COVID-19 lockdowns. It suggests that the pandemic forced couples to confront their relationships, leading to a deeper understanding of their needs and a renewed commitment to marriage. The shift in societal attitudes towards therapy, marital roles, and communication has also contributed to this trend.
Furthermore, the article notes a change in the way people approach marriage, with a focus on companionship and shared values rather than solely on passion. This shift may present challenges in maintaining attraction but promotes stability and happiness in the long run. It underscores the importance of commitment and trust in sustaining fulfilling relationships. essential for long-term relationship success. By placing emphasis on compatibility and mutual support, couples can navigate the challenges of marriage and foster a fulfilling and enduring bond.
