State of the Family Study
Marriage Health in America
Focus on the Family recently conducted the Marriage Health in America study, assessing the “health” of marriage relationships in America. Working with global research firm Ipsos, the Marriage Health in America study explores a variety of marital areas in a nationwide survey of U.S. households. Among the top findings…
- 74% of U.S. marriages are “healthy”
- Christians who actively practice their faith have the healthiest relationships.
- 21% of U.S. marriages are in a “crisis” state; Convictional Christians have the lowest rate of crisis (13%)
- 34% of married couples have experienced divorce; Convictional Christians have the lowest rate of being currently or ever divorced (28%)
- Top problems that married couples are facing include Sexual issues or lack of sexual intimacy, Stress, and Busy Schedules…
- Top “drivers” of a healthy marriage include Trust, Love for each other, and Respect for each other…
A few Key Insights….
The study revealed that Convictional Christians (those actively practicing their faith) have marriages that are healthier and in less of a “crisis” state….
Convictional Christians Have Healthier Marriages
Source: Focus on the Family/Ipsos – 2025 Marriage Health in America Study ©
% of Marriages that are Healthy
Fewer Convictional Christians in Marriage Crisis
Source: Focus on the Family/Ipsos – 2025 Marriage Health in America Study ©
% of Marriages in Crisis
Non-Christians
Nominal Christians
Convictional Christians
Born-Again Christians
Fewer Convictional Christians in Marriage Crisis
Source: Focus on the Family/Ipsos – 2025 Marriage Health in America Study ©
% of Marriages in Crisis
Non-Christians
Nominal Christians
Born-Again Christians
Convictional Christians
Defining Faith Segments
The study revealed that Convictional Christians (those actively practicing their faith) have marriages that are healthier and in less of a “crisis” state….
NOMINAL CHRISTIANS (NC)
These respondents identified as “Christian” in name only but did not respond in the affirmative to any of the two segments
BORN-AGAIN- CHRISTIANS (BA)
These respondents answered “Yes” to the following questions but not additional questions listed under Convictional:
- Have you made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important to your life today?
- When I die, I will go to Heaven because I have confessed my sins and have accepted/received Jesus Christ as my Savior
CONVICTIONAL CHRISTIANS (CC)
These respondents identified as “Christian” in name only but did not respond in the affirmative to any of the two segments
- Attend religious services at least monthly.
- Read, listen to, or pray with the Bible on your own (outside of the church) at least weekly.
- Agree with the statement: "If my thoughts or actions do not line up with what the Bible teaches, the Bible is right and I am wrong."
Visit Other Focus on the Family Marriage Sites
Need to Speak to a Counselor?