Marriage as a Public Health Issue.

Marriage, although it is considered a private matter in many respects, is a public health issue. There is a body of evidence that positively links marriage with physical and mental health. Furthermore, research suggests that child well-being is improved when the child's parents are married. In recent years, social service providers across the U.S. have begun offering relationship education services to young single people and couples to strengthen their relationships and teach skills that foster healthy relationships. There are opportunities for social service organizations to continue this work, for health care providers to integrate this work, and for the public to learn about this work. This Tip Sheet provides background information on how marriage can be viewed through a ?public health? lens. (Author abstract)