Californians Place a Strong Value on Marriage - 86% of Californians believe that marriage is not an old fashioned, outmoded institution. - Agreement: Republicans, 92.5%; Democrates, 84.4%; Independents, 84.4%. Divorce is a Major Concern for Californians - 81% agree that "divorce is a serious national issue in the United States today." - 34% of all Californians reported having been divorced at least once. - People of all political parties are equally likely to have been previously divorced. (31.8% of Republicans, 38.3% of Democrates and 36.5% of Independents). Divorce Negatively Impacts Children - 66% of divorced Californians say their divorce has negatively impacted their children. - 57% of adult Californians say that their own parents' divorce has negatively affected them.
GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN MARRIAGE EDUCATION
Government Should Support Marriage Resources in the Community - 56% agree that state and local government should provide additional resources to help strengthen families by strengthening marriages. - 57.4% of Conservatives, 55.8% of Liberals, and 51.2 of Moderates agree with the above statement. Note: These data show that a majority of Californians believe that government support for Marriage Education is desirable, and offer encouragement for additional Federal funding for programs that support Healthy Marriages.
DEMAND FOR MARRIAGE EDUCATION
Marriage Eduation or Counseling Should be Required before Divorce is Granted - 82% of Californians agree that when a married couple wiht children is considering a divorce, they should be required to attend marriage education classes or couple's counseling before the divorce is granted.
Marriage is under attack in our society. Many feel it is an outdated institution. Those who do get married find it increasingly difficult to stay married. There has been an alarming rise in the divorce rate.
What is the answer to all of this?
A Healthy Marriage!
Having a healthy marriage is not just a luxury item, it's something we should strive for and expect. Researchers have determined that having a healthy, happy, fulfilling marriage benefits all family members.
Benefits of Healthy Marriages for Children and Youth
Researchers have found many benefits for children and youth who are raised by parents in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages:
More likely to attend college
More likely to succeed academically
Physically and emotionally healthier
Less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol
Have a better relationship with their parents
Decreases their chances of divorcing
Benefits of Healthy Marriages for Men and Women
The many benefits for men and women who are in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages include:
Live longer
Physically healthier
Emotionally healthier
Have better relationships with their children
Satisfying relationships
Increase in the stability of employment
Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse
Benefits of Healthy Marriages for Communities
The benefits for communities when they have a higher percentage of couples in healthy marriages:
