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Teenage Marriage

Relationship Enhancement Program

Young marriages, especially teenage marriages, can face extra strain due to the fact that young people often have not prepared for the reality of marriage. Couples sometimes find that what they want at 25 is not the same as what they wanted in their teenage years. The research is clear that young people have a better chance in marriage if they wait until they are older to marry.

  • According to a 2001 survey conducted by Oklahoma State University, young marriages, those who enter marriage before the age of 20, are the most likely to end in divorce.
  • Oklahomans also have more young marriages and teenage marriages than the national average.
  • In addition, this same survey reports that 43% of respondents said teenage marriage was one factor that contributed to a divorce.

    That is not to say that if you are in a teenage marriage or young marriage that you can't have a good marriage. Many couples that marry young end up having a very fulfilling marriage. However, we believe that relationship skills can be taught, and those who learn how to communicate and deal with conflict have a better chance at an enduring marriage. The OMI offers free marriage workshops to couples, young or old, to teach you these skills.

    Find a teenage marriage workshop in your area.

    More information about teenage marriage.