Maddy Gross

July 1
Assignment: PR
July 1
NEW SURVEY SAYS RECESSION STRENGTHENS MARRIAGES
NEW YORK, JULY 1- Thirty-eight percent of couples considering divorce or separation are
putting those plans off due to the recession, a new survey says. In addition to this statistic, 29% of all
couples studied say that the recession has deepened their commitment to their marriage, according to
survey director Brad Hershey.
The survey is titled The Great Recession and Marriage. It was conducted by the National
Marriage Project at University of Virginia and released by StayMarriedUSA, an organization that runs
hundreds of events nationwide aimed at helping couples strengthen their marriages.
StayMarriedUSA believes these marriages, including the ones strengthened by the recession, are
beneficial for personal, familial and economic stability.
Marriage pays, says StayMarriedUSA executive director MacKenzie Wheeler. Research
shows that marriage makes people happier, live longer and build more economic security. Children with
married parents perform better in school; have less trouble with the law; have fewer teen pregnancies; and
have fewer issues with addiction.
Wheeler wants struggling couples to know that StayMarriedUSA can provide them with the help
they need. Marriage classes and conferences take place across the U.S. Feb. 7 through 14. Find a local
event at StayMarriedUSA.org. (194 words)