New research underscores a positive correlation between marriage, motherhood, and happiness, challenging narratives that suggest family life hinders personal well-being.
Studies from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) and other sources highlight that women who are married and have children report higher levels of life satisfaction and emotional well-being compared to their single, childless counterparts.
According to a report brief from IFS titled “In Pursuit: Marriage, Motherhood, and Women’s Well-Being,” data from the 2020-2022 General Social Survey (GSS) shows that “married mothers are significantly happier than women who are single and childless.”
The report, authored by Wendy Wang, notes that 40% of married mothers aged 18-55 describe themselves as “very happy,” compared to only 25% of single, childless women in the same age group. Additionally, married mothers report lower levels of loneliness, with just 12% saying they feel lonely “often” or “always,” compared to 22% of single, childless women.
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The findings align with a pro-life perspective that values family formation as a cornerstone of societal and personal fulfillment.
CatholicVote, examining the data, emphasized that “the happiest demographic by far is married women with children.” The organization’s report cites a 2020 American Sociological Association study, which found that “married mothers aged 18-55 have a happiness rate of 40%, significantly outpacing single, childless women at 25%.”
These studies counter media narratives that often portray marriage and motherhood as obstacles to personal freedom or career success. Wang’s IFS report highlights that married mothers are more likely to report a sense of purpose, with 60% saying their life feels “very meaningful,” compared to 47% of single, childless women.
The data also suggests that the stability of marriage and the presence of children foster stronger social connections, reducing feelings of isolation.
CatholicVote’s analysis further notes that the 2020 GSS data reveals married women with children are less likely to experience depression. Only 15% of married mothers reported feeling depressed “somewhat often” or “very often,” compared to 27% of single, childless women.
“The numbers don’t lie—family life, despite its challenges, brings a level of joy and stability that singlehood often lacks,” CatholicVote stated.
The IFS report also addresses economic factors, finding that married mothers tend to have higher household incomes, with 70% living in households earning $50,000 or more annually, compared to 55% of single, childless women. This financial stability, coupled with emotional benefits, contributes to overall well-being.
