What attitudes do people have about covenant marriages?

In a recent study, researchers polled people living in two states that do have covenant marriage (Louisiana and Arizona) and one state that does not have covenant marriage (Minnesota) about their attitudes toward covenant marriage. This study found that 39% of the participants were strongly supportive of covenant marriage, 47% had mixed views, and 14% were strongly opposed to covenant marriage. Individuals who were more religiously active and had more traditional views about gender roles (e.g. the husband should be the breadwinner and the wife should take care of the home and family) were more likely to support covenant marriage.

People were also asked about their attitudes toward specific aspects of covenant marriage (premarital counseling, agreeing in advance to seek counseling if there are problems in the marriage, and long waiting periods for divorce). Most adults (80%) said that premarital education is important. Most adult (91%) also supported the idea of agreeing in advance to get marital counseling if problems arise. Fewer adults (66%) agreed with long waiting periods for divorce.

Source:  Kim Leon, Ph.D., Former Human Development and Family Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia

Last update: Friday, September 14, 2007