Marriage and happiness

Compared to Americans who don't attend church, religiously observant individuals tend to report higher levels of happiness, less loneliness, and greater satisfaction and meaning in life. Shared faith is shown to be a crucial factor in the quality of a marriage, even more so than education, income, or political ideology. Divorce rates have increased since the 1970s with the introduction of the soulmate model of marriage, but religious attendance can reduce the risk of divorce by up to 50%. Women often find greater happiness in family responsibilities compared to prioritizing work and freedom. Churches play a valuable role in reinforcing the importance of marriage and family through sermons, homilies, and messages on virtues like forgiveness and fidelity.