CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth:  A Tool for Understanding Marriage

The CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) is a national survey that collects data on a variety of topics related to human reproduction, including marriage. The NSFG has been conducted every few years since 1973, and it provides a unique window into the changing landscape of marriage in the United States.

The NSFG has found that marriage rates in the United States have been declining for several decades. In 1973, the marriage rate was 9.1 per 1,000 people. By 2020, the marriage rate had declined to 6.1 per 1,000 people. This decline is due to a number of factors, including:

• The increasing number of people who are choosing to delay marriage. The average age at first marriage has increased from 20.8 years in 1973 to 28.1 years in 2020.
• The rising cost of living. Marriage is more expensive than singlehood, and many people are choosing to wait until they are financially stable before getting married.
• The increasing acceptance of cohabitation. Cohabitation is the practice of two people living together as a couple without being legally married. The number of cohabiting couples has increased from 5.5 million in 1973 to 11.6 million in 2020.

Despite the decline in marriage rates, the NSFG has also found that married couples are still more likely to be happy and healthy than unmarried couples. Married couples are more likely to have:

• Higher incomes. The median income for married couples is $87,100, compared to $57,000 for unmarried couples.
• Lower levels of stress. Married couples are less likely to report feeling stressed than unmarried couples.
• Better physical and mental health. Married couples are less likely to have chronic health conditions and are more likely to report being in good or excellent health than unmarried couples.
• Less likelihood of experiencing poverty, crime, and substance abuse. Married couples are less likely to live in poverty, be victims of crime, or abuse alcohol or drugs than unmarried couples.

The NSFG’s findings provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages. These findings can be used to help couples improve their marriages and to develop programs and policies that support marriage.

Some of the key factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages:

• Communication. Couples who communicate effectively are more likely to resolve conflict and build a strong relationship.
• Commitment. Couples who are committed to each other are more likely to work through problems and stay together.
• Shared values. Couples who share the same values are more likely to be on the same page and have a strong foundation for their relationship.
• Financial stability. Financial problems can be a major source of stress and conflict in a relationship. Couples who are financially stable are better able to cope with life’s challenges and are less likely to argue about money.
• Strong social support networks. Couples who have strong social support networks are more likely to get help when they need it and are less likely to feel isolated.

The NSFG’s findings are important for couples, policymakers, and researchers. Couples can use the findings to improve their own marriages. Policymakers can use the findings to develop programs and policies that support marriage. Researchers can use the findings to further study the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages.

What are the key findings of the NSFG about marriage?

The CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) is a national survey that collects data on a variety of topics related to human reproduction, including marriage. The NSFG has been conducted every few years since 1973, and it provides a unique window into the changing landscape of marriage in the United States.

Some of the key findings of the NSFG about marriage include:

• The marriage rate in the United States has been declining for several decades. In 1973, the marriage rate was 9.1 per 1,000 people. By 2020, the marriage rate had declined to 6.1 per 1,000 people.
• The average age at first marriage has increased from 20.8 years in 1973 to 28.1 years in 2020.
• The number of cohabiting couples has increased from 5.5 million in 1973 to 11.6 million in 2020.
• Married couples are still more likely to be happy and healthy than unmarried couples.
• The key factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages include communication, commitment, shared values, financial stability, and strong social support networks.
• The factors that can lead to marital problems include financial problems, infidelity, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

How has marriage changed over time, according to the NSFG?

The NSFG has found that marriage has changed in a number of ways over time. One of the most significant changes is the decline in the marriage rate. The marriage rate is the number of marriages that occur in a year per 1,000 people in the population. In 1973, the marriage rate was 9.1 per 1,000 people. By 2020, the marriage rate had declined to 6.1 per 1,000 people.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline in the marriage rate. One factor is the increasing number of people who are choosing to delay marriage. The average age at first marriage has increased from 20.8 years in 1973 to 28.1 years in 2020. Another factor is the rising cost of living. Marriage is more expensive than singlehood, and many people are choosing to wait until they are financially stable before getting married.

The NSFG has also found that the composition of married couples has changed over time. In the past, most married couples were white and heterosexual. However, the number of interracial and same-sex married couples has increased in recent years. In 2020, 10% of married couples were interracial and 7% were same-sex.

What are the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages, according to the NSFG?

The NSFG has found that there are a number of factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages. These factors include:

• Communication: Couples who communicate effectively are more likely to resolve conflict and build a strong relationship. They are also more likely to be supportive of each other and to feel connected.
• Commitment: Couples who are committed to each other are more likely to work through problems and stay together. They are also more likely to be loyal and faithful to each other.
• Shared values: Couples who share the same values are more likely to be on the same page and have a strong foundation for their relationship. They are also more likely to agree on important issues, such as childrearing and finances.
• Financial stability: Financial problems can be a major source of stress and conflict in a relationship. Couples who are financially stable are better able to cope with life’s challenges and are less likely to argue about money.
• Strong social support networks: Couples who have strong social support networks are more likely to get help when they need it and are less likely to feel isolated. They are also more likely to have friends and family who can provide emotional support and practical help.

What are the factors that can lead to marital problems, according to the NSFG?

The NSFG has found that there are a number of factors that can lead to marital problems. These factors include:

• Financial problems: Financial problems are one of the most common causes of marital problems. Couples who are struggling financially are more likely to argue, feel stressed, and be unhappy in their marriage.
• Infidelity: Infidelity is another common cause of marital problems. When one partner cheats on the other, it can damage trust and lead to feelings of betrayal.
• Substance abuse: Substance abuse can also lead to marital problems. When one partner is struggling with addiction, it can put a strain on the relationship and lead to conflict.
• Domestic violence: Domestic violence is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on a marriage. When one partner is abusive, it can create a climate of fear and intimidation that makes it difficult for the other partner to feel safe and loved.
• Differing values: Couples who have different values are more likely to have conflict. For example, couples who disagree about religion, politics, or childrearing are more likely to argue and be unhappy in their marriage.
• Lack of communication: Couples who don’t communicate effectively are more likely to have problems. When couples don’t share their thoughts and feelings with each other, it can lead to misunderstandings and resentment.
• Lack of commitment: Couples who aren’t committed to each other are more likely to give up on their marriage when problems arise. When couples aren’t willing to work through problems and stay together, their marriage is more likely to end in divorce.

It is important to note that the NSFG is a survey, and as such, it is subject to some limitations. For example, the NSFG relies on self-reported data, which can be inaccurate. Additionally, the NSFG is a cross-sectional study, which means that it does not track couples over time. This makes it difficult to determine the causal relationships between the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages and the factors that can lead to marital problems.

Despite these limitations, the NSFG provides valuable insights into the factors that affect marriage. These insights can be used to help couples improve their marriages and to develop programs and policies that support marriage.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a number of other factors that can affect marriage. These factors include:

• Health problems: Couples who experience health problems, such as chronic illness or disability, are more likely to have marital problems.
• Work-life balance: Couples who are struggling to balance work and family life are more likely to have marital problems.
• Cultural differences: Couples from different cultures may have different expectations for marriage, which can lead to conflict.
• Lifestyle choices: Couples who make different lifestyle choices, such as whether or not to have children, may have marital problems.

It is important to remember that every marriage is different. What works for one couple may not work for another. The most important thing is for couples to communicate openly and honestly with each other and to be willing to work through problems together.

How can the findings of the NSFG be used to help couples improve their marriages?

The findings of the NSFG can be used to help couples improve their marriages in a number of ways. First, the findings can help couples identify the factors that are most important to them in a marriage. For example, some couples may place a high value on communication, while others may place a high value on shared values. Once couples know what is important to them, they can focus on building their relationship around those factors.

Second, the findings can help couples identify the areas where they need to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills. For example, couples who often argue about money may need to learn how to communicate more effectively about finances. Couples who often have disagreements about childrearing may need to learn how to resolve conflict in a constructive way.

Third, the findings can help couples identify resources that can help them improve their marriages. For example, there are a number of books, websites, and online resources that can provide couples with tips on how to improve their communication, conflict resolution skills, and overall relationship satisfaction. There are also a number of couples counseling services available.

How can the NSFG be used to develop programs and policies that support marriage?

The findings of the NSFG can also be used to develop programs and policies that support marriage. For example, the findings can be used to develop programs that teach couples how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflict in a constructive way. The findings can also be used to develop policies that make it easier for couples to balance work and family life.

For example, the NSFG has found that couples who have children are more likely to be happy in their marriage if they have access to affordable childcare. This finding could be used to develop policies that make childcare more affordable, such as tax credits or subsidies.

The NSFG has also found that couples who are struggling financially are more likely to have marital problems. This finding could be used to develop policies that help couples manage their finances, such as financial education programs or debt relief programs.

The NSFG is a valuable resource for couples who want to improve their marriages and for policymakers who want to develop programs and policies that support marriage. The findings of the NSFG can be used to help couples identify the factors that are most important to them in a marriage, identify areas where they need to improve, and find resources that can help them improve their marriages. The findings of the NSFG can also be used to develop programs and policies that make it easier for couples to build strong and lasting relationships.

In addition to the programs and policies mentioned above, the NSFG findings can also be used to develop programs and policies that address the other factors that can affect marriage, such as health problems, work-life balance, cultural differences, and lifestyle choices. By taking into account the findings of the NSFG, policymakers can develop programs and policies that are more likely to be effective in supporting marriage and improving the lives of couples and families.

What are the limitations of the NSFG?

The NSFG is a valuable resource for understanding the factors that affect marriage. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations. Some of the limitations of the NSFG include:

• Self-reported data: The NSFG relies on self-reported data, which means that the information is provided by the respondents themselves. This can be subject to bias, as people may not always be accurate or honest about their experiences.
• Cross-sectional study: The NSFG is a cross-sectional study, which means that it does not track couples over time. This makes it difficult to determine the causal relationships between the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages and the factors that can lead to marital problems.
• Small sample size: The NSFG is a large survey, but the sample size for some subgroups, such as same-sex couples, is relatively small. This can make it difficult to draw reliable conclusions about these groups.
• Sampling bias: The NSFG uses a complex sampling method to select participants. This method is designed to ensure that the sample is representative of the population as a whole. However, it is possible that the sample is not perfectly representative, which could bias the findings.

How can the findings of the NSFG be interpreted in light of its limitations?

Despite its limitations, the NSFG provides valuable insights into the factors that affect marriage. However, it is important to interpret the findings of the NSFG in light of its limitations.

For example, the findings of the NSFG that suggest that communication is a key factor in happy and healthy marriages should be interpreted with caution, as the data is self-reported and may be biased. Additionally, the findings that suggest that couples who have children are more likely to be happy in their marriage if they have access to affordable childcare should be interpreted with caution, as the sample size for this subgroup is relatively small.

Overall, the NSFG is a valuable resource for understanding the factors that affect marriage. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations when interpreting the findings.

Here are some additional things to consider when interpreting the findings of the NSFG:

• The findings of the NSFG may not be applicable to all couples. For example, the findings may not be applicable to couples from different cultures or couples who have different religious beliefs.
• The findings of the NSFG may not be applicable to couples who are facing specific challenges, such as financial problems or health problems.
• The findings of the NSFG may change over time. For example, the factors that are important to couples in terms of happiness and satisfaction may change as society changes.

It is important to keep these things in mind when interpreting the findings of the NSFG. The findings should not be taken as definitive or absolute. Instead, they should be used as a starting point for understanding the factors that affect marriage and for developing strategies to improve marriages.

What are some of the future directions for the NSFG?

The NSFG is a valuable resource for understanding the factors that affect marriage. However, it is important to consider future directions for the NSFG in order to improve its usefulness. Some of the future directions for the NSFG include:

• Expanding the scope of the survey: The NSFG could expand its scope to include more information about the factors that affect marriage, such as health, work-life balance, and cultural differences.
• Using longitudinal data: The NSFG could use longitudinal data to track couples over time. This would allow researchers to better understand the causal relationships between the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages and the factors that can lead to marital problems.
• Using qualitative data: The NSFG could use qualitative data, such as interviews and focus groups, to get a deeper understanding of the factors that affect marriage.
• Increasing the sample size: The NSFG could increase its sample size to improve the accuracy of the findings.
• Reducing bias: The NSFG could use methods to reduce bias in the data, such as weighting the data to ensure that it is representative of the population.

How can the NSFG be improved to better measure marriage and its effects?

The NSFG can be improved to better measure marriage and its effects in a number of ways. Some of these ways include:

• Developing new measures of marriage: The NSFG could develop new measures of marriage that are more comprehensive and capture the full range of factors that affect marriage.
• Using more rigorous methods: The NSFG could use more rigorous methods, such as longitudinal data and qualitative data, to better understand the factors that affect marriage.
• Increasing collaboration: The NSFG could collaborate with other researchers and organizations to develop and implement new methods for measuring marriage.
• Making the data more accessible: The NSFG could make the data more accessible to researchers and the public so that it can be used to improve understanding of marriage and its effects.

By taking these steps, the NSFG can be improved to better measure marriage and its effects. This will help researchers and policymakers to develop more effective strategies for improving marriages and strengthening families.

Here are some additional things to consider when improving the NSFG:

• The NSFG should be sensitive to the cultural and religious diversity of the United States.
• The NSFG should be updated to reflect the changing nature of marriage, such as the increasing number of same-sex couples and the increasing number of couples who are choosing to delay marriage or not marry at all.
• The NSFG should be made more accessible to researchers and the public so that it can be used to improve understanding of marriage and its effects.

By taking these things into account, the NSFG can be improved to better measure marriage and its effects. This will help researchers and policymakers to develop more effective strategies for improving marriages and strengthening families.

Wrap up

The National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) is a national survey that collects data on a variety of topics related to human reproduction, including marriage. The NSFG has been conducted every few years since 1973, and it provides a unique window into the changing landscape of marriage in the United States.

The NSFG has found that marriage rates in the United States have been declining for several decades. In 1973, the marriage rate was 9.1 per 1,000 people. By 2020, the marriage rate had declined to 6.1 per 1,000 people. This decline is due to a number of factors, including the increasing number of people who are choosing to delay marriage, the rising cost of living, and the increasing acceptance of cohabitation.

Despite the decline in marriage rates, the NSFG has also found that married couples are still more likely to be happy and healthy than unmarried couples. Married couples are more likely to have:

• Higher incomes.
• Lower levels of stress.
• Better physical and mental health.
• Less likelihood of experiencing poverty, crime, and substance abuse.

The NSFG’s findings provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages. These factors include:

• Communication: Couples who communicate effectively are more likely to resolve conflict and build a strong relationship.
• Commitment: Couples who are committed to each other are more likely to work through problems and stay together.
• Shared values: Couples who share the same values are more likely to be on the same page and have a strong foundation for their relationship.
• Financial stability: Financial problems can be a major source of stress and conflict in a relationship. Couples who are financially stable are better able to cope with life’s challenges and are less likely to argue about money.
• Strong social support networks: Couples who have strong social support networks are more likely to get help when they need it and are less likely to feel isolated.

The NSFG’s findings can be used to help couples improve their marriages and to develop programs and policies that support marriage. The findings can also be used to improve the NSFG itself. By taking these steps, the NSFG can be improved to better measure marriage and its effects. This will help researchers and policymakers to develop more effective strategies for improving marriages and strengthening families.

Here are some additional things to consider when interpreting the findings of the NSFG:

• The findings of the NSFG may not be applicable to all couples. For example, the findings may not be applicable to couples from different cultures or couples who have different religious beliefs.
• The findings of the NSFG may not be applicable to couples who are facing specific challenges, such as financial problems or health problems.
• The findings of the NSFG may change over time. For example, the factors that are important to couples in terms of happiness and satisfaction may change as society changes.

It is important to keep these things in mind when interpreting the findings of the NSFG. The findings should not be taken as definitive or absolute. Instead, they should be used as a starting point for understanding the factors that affect marriage and for developing strategies to improve marriages.

FAQ section about the NSFG:

Q: What is the NSFG?

The NSFG stands for the National Survey of Family Growth. It is a national survey that collects data on a variety of topics related to human reproduction, including marriage. The NSFG has been conducted every few years since 1973.

Q: What are the key findings of the NSFG about marriage?

The NSFG has found that marriage rates in the United States have been declining for several decades. In 1973, the marriage rate was 9.1 per 1,000 people. By 2020, the marriage rate had declined to 6.1 per 1,000 people. This decline is due to a number of factors, including the increasing number of people who are choosing to delay marriage, the rising cost of living, and the increasing acceptance of cohabitation.

Despite the decline in marriage rates, the NSFG has also found that married couples are still more likely to be happy and healthy than unmarried couples. Married couples are more likely to have:

• Higher incomes.
• Lower levels of stress.
• Better physical and mental health.
• Less likelihood of experiencing poverty, crime, and substance abuse.

Q: What are the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages?

The NSFG has found that there are a number of factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages. These factors include:

• Communication: Couples who communicate effectively are more likely to resolve conflict and build a strong relationship.
• Commitment: Couples who are committed to each other are more likely to work through problems and stay together.
• Shared values: Couples who share the same values are more likely to be on the same page and have a strong foundation for their relationship.
• Financial stability: Financial problems can be a major source of stress and conflict in a relationship. Couples who are financially stable are better able to cope with life’s challenges and are less likely to argue about money.
• Strong social support networks: Couples who have strong social support networks are more likely to get help when they need it and are less likely to feel isolated.

Q: How can the findings of the NSFG be used to improve marriage?

The findings of the NSFG can be used to help couples improve their marriages and to develop programs and policies that support marriage. For example, the findings can be used to develop programs that teach couples how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflict in a constructive way. The findings can also be used to develop policies that make it easier for couples to balance work and family life.

Q: What are the limitations of the NSFG?

The NSFG is a valuable resource for understanding the factors that affect marriage. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations. Some of the limitations of the NSFG include:

• Self-reported data: The NSFG relies on self-reported data, which means that the information is provided by the respondents themselves. This can be subject to bias, as people may not always be accurate or honest about their experiences.
• Cross-sectional study: The NSFG is a cross-sectional study, which means that it does not track couples over time. This makes it difficult to determine the causal relationships between the factors that contribute to happy and healthy marriages and the factors that can lead to marital problems.
• Small sample size: The NSFG is a large survey, but the sample size for some subgroups, such as same-sex couples, is relatively small. This can make it difficult to draw reliable conclusions about these groups.
• Sampling bias: The NSFG uses a complex sampling method to select participants. This method is designed to ensure that the sample is representative of the population as a whole. However, it is possible that the sample is not perfectly representative, which could bias the findings.

Q: How can the findings of the NSFG be interpreted in light of its limitations?

Despite its limitations, the NSFG provides valuable insights into the factors that affect marriage. However, it is important to interpret the findings of the NSFG in light of its limitations.

For example, the findings of the NSFG that suggest that communication is a key factor in happy and healthy marriages should be interpreted with caution, as the data is self-reported and may be biased. Additionally, the findings that suggest that couples who have children are more likely to be happy in their marriage if they have access to affordable childcare should be interpreted with caution, as the sample size for this subgroup is relatively small.

Overall, the NSFG is a valuable resource for understanding the factors that affect marriage. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations when interpreting the findings.