SALT LAKE CITY — A new Deseret News survey conducted with BYU shows a decrease in the number of marriages as well as people in relationships. 

The survey showed that many Americans are concerned with the economy and inflation and fear their income won’t be able to keep up with basics like food and transportation. 

With a changing economy, deep political divides are now more prevalent in relationships, sometimes preventing them. 

The survey observed family life in the last eight years, “from the strength and durability of relationships to the worries parents have for their children.”

It explored changing attitudes and laws about abortion, gun control and immigration. The survey also asked the 3,000 participants about employment, finances, household chores, technology use, school safety and whether they feel lonely.

The authors reported that a statistical decrease in marriage was found in the survey answers. In 2015, half were married, in 2022, the number was 45%, while those not in a relationship rose from 32% to 37%.