He explains that marriages formed at ages later than this fared very well in survival, but “rather poorly” in quality.
However and importantly, Glenn explains that it would be “premature to conclude that the optimal time for first marriage for most persons is ages 22-25” because other critical factors impact risk of divorce and marital happiness as well.
Age at marriage doesn’t stand alone as a benefit or harm. The most significant additional factors are:
- premarital cohabitation
- socio-economics
- having parents who are divorced
- educational attainment
- general maturity and personal commitment to the idea of marital longevity
- having healthy marriage attitudes and behaviors modeled by both sets of parents
- involvement in a healthy church/faith setting that takes marriage seriously
- completed meaningful premarital counseling
Given this qualification, Professor Glenn concludes his article by stating, “The findings of this study do indicate that for most persons, little or nothing in the way of marital success is likely to be gained by deliberately delaying marriage beyond the mid-twenties.” Glenn, et al., 2010, p. 799.
Paul Amato explains that marrying at a “young age is one of the best predictors of divorce.” Amato, et al., 2007, p. 77.
Of course, we must ask what he means by “young.” Amato is referring to those marrying in their teens. He explains,
“Once people enter their early to mid-twenties, the risk of divorce is attenuated [reduced]. Indeed, people who postpone marriage until their thirties face a dwindling supply of potential partners – a situation that may increase the likelihood of forming unions with partners who are not good marriage material. In other words, marrying “too late” may increase the risk of having a troubled relationship.” Amato, et al., 2007, p. 78.
And “earlier” marriage in the 22-age window increases the likelihood of couples marrying as virgins, which is an important factor in marital stability and happiness. Jay Teachman, “Premarital Sex, Premarital Cohabitation and The Risk of Subsequent Marital Dissolution Among Women,” Journal of Marriage and Family 65 (2003) 444-455; Joan R. Kahn and Kathryn A. London, “Premarital Sex and Risk of Divorce,” Journal of Marriage and the Family 53 (1991) 845-855.
Conclusion
The 22 to 25 age-at-first-marriage range seems to be that which enhances both the quality and stability of marriage.
Waiting longer than 25 years-of-age does not appear to boost either of these marital measures, nor does it doom them, but could serve to work against them for various reasons.
Note: Median age of first marriage today – 26 for women and 28 for men – is the highest it’s ever been since the Census has collected such numbers.Mark Regnerus, “The Case for Early Marriage,” Christianity Today, August 2009, p. 23; Arland Thornton, et al., Marriage and Cohabitation, (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007), p. 55.
