The National Marriage Project released The State of Our Unions recently, which is an annual publication that monitors the current health of marriage and family life in America. This project, which is conducted at the Univeristy of Virginia, sheds light on many issues surrounding marital life in our country, including cohabitation, divorce, child centeredness, etc.

Perhaps the most relevant piece of information that was released in 2009’s report is how the Great Recession, and money issues in general, affect marriages in America.

Due to the fact that our country is currently in a recession, one may assume that marriages are suffering because of the additional stress that unemployment, debt, and money issues place on a couple. However, this report suggests otherwise. In fact, the divorce rate fell during this past year!

An article in the report, titled The Great Recession’s Silver Lining?, claims that “many couples appear to be developing a new appreciation for the economic and social support that marriage can provide in tough times.”

Instead of turning away from one another because of the additional stress, couples may be looking towards one another for support, which could be an encouraging sign for the state of marriages in America. Our culture, which thrives on immediate satisfaction, might be adapting to the times.

Take a look at the whole article and let us know what you think about it! How has money and the Great Recession affected your marriage?