National survey seeks insight into the first 10 years of marriage

In brief

Catholic couples in their first 10 years of marriage are participating in a national survey to share their experiences of early married life. The research is being conducted by the Christian Research Association and is managed by the Parish and Marriage Resource Centre.

The Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement funded the study. Organizers launched the survey in response to concerns in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia that couples in the early years of marriage need appropriate accompaniment. This follows data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing that the early years of marriage are high risk, with the median duration of marriage before separation in Australia at eight years.

The Christian Research Association Ethics Committee approved the research.