Tracking the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marriage and divorce rates
Official title: Archiving Nuptiality Pandemic Data
Funded at Bowling Green State University · NIH-10773158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed marriage and divorce rates in the U.S., helping us understand how these important life events have been affected across different states during this unusual time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bowling Green State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bowling Green, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $71,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HD110593-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10773158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals and families affected by changes in marital status during the pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any changes in their marital status or family dynamics during the pandemic may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected marriage and divorce rates across the United States. It aims to collect and analyze timely data on these life events, which have been difficult to access due to the decline of vital statistics systems. By focusing on state-level data, the research seeks to understand geographic variations in marriage and divorce behaviors during this unprecedented time. The methodology includes gathering administrative data and addressing gaps in existing survey data to provide a clearer picture of family dynamics during the pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into how the pandemic has influenced family structures and relationships, informing policymakers and support services.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on the effects of the pandemic on various life domains, this specific focus on marriage and divorce data collection is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westrick-Payne, Krista Kay — Bowling Green State University
- Study coordinator: Westrick-Payne, Krista Kay
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.