New Survey Shows Children Have Fewer Problems at Home and at School When They Live In Intact Married Families that Worship Weekly

North Dakota Ranked #1 in One Category

(Fargo, ND) -- A new study released today by the North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA), in conjunction with Family Research Council's (FRC) Mapping America project, finds that children have fewer problems at school and home when they live with both biological parents and frequently attend religious services.  Drs. Nicholas Zill* and Philip Fletcher** co-authored the new study which analyzes data from the National Survey of Children's Health.

Among their remarkable findings: children in this group are five times less likely to repeat a grade, less likely to have behavior problems at home and school, and are more likely to be cooperative and understanding of others' feelings.  Parents of these children report less stress, healthier parent-child relationships, and fewer concerns about their children's achievement. These differences hold up even after controlling for family income and poverty, low parent education levels, and race and ethnicity.

NDFA Executive Director Tom Freier reports, "North Dakota ranks #1 in the nation with 69% of our state's children living with both parents, compared to a national average of 57%.  The proportion of our children attending religious services on a regular basis is at 85%, ranking ND as #9, compared to the national average of 75%."

"While we see the world's culture creeping in from both coasts corrupting some in our state with non-biblical worldview, there is hope.  The influence of traditional parented homes and faith will impact the legacy we invest in for our children's and grandchildren's future.  These two factors are now seen to be comparable to those measured in the past affecting a child's well-being:  poverty, family income level, low parent education, and limited opportunities faced by minority children," states Freier.

Dr. Pat Fagan, senior fellow and the director of FRC's Center for Family and Religion, adds, "Social science data continue to demonstrate overwhelmingly that the intact married family that worships weekly is the greatest generator of human goods and social benefits and is the core strength of the United States.  Policy makers should strongly consider whether their policy proposals give support to such a family structure.  Children are not the only beneficiaries but also their parents, families, communities, and all of society."

Despite the developmental advantages associated with intact two-parent families and religious influence, only 45% of American children between the ages of 6 and 17, live in such a family.

Midwestern and Western states showed a high proportion of children living with both biological parents, while Southern states have more families attending religious services; Midwest states fared high as well.

"We fully understand the circumstances which may result in a child being raised in a family other than a two-biological-parent home," declares Freier. "And, much of what we see in the mainstream media, especially on television, downplays and even ridicules the importance of traditional family life and values.  Studies like this validate the importance of the family structure, and provide documented research to substantiate our cause to promote traditional values and lifestyle for North Dakota," he adds.

To view and/or download the full study, click here.


*   Dr. Nicholas Zill is the founding president of Child Trends and the former vice president of Westat and is available for interviews

** Dr. Philip Fletcher is a research psychologist at Westat 


Interview Talking Points

• What other interesting statistics does this study show (there are several)?
• How was this data collected, and who was the survey pool?
• What region of the U.S. showed to have the lowest regular religious influence among the ages of 6 to 17?
• What is the NDFA's tie with the FRC?

North Dakota Family Alliance Mission:  Strengthen families and protect family values and religious freedoms by influencing public opinion through equipping, informing, and educating policy leaders and concerned citizens on the issues that impact the family.

North Dakota Family Alliance Vision:  Be a trusted voice impacting one's legacy by encouraging hearts, equipping minds, and empowering people.

North Dakota Family Alliance Summary:  Established as a corporation in 1987, the North Dakota Family Alliance has a history of providing analysis, educational and informational resources, training seminars, and perspectives to influence public opinion. These are all designed to help educate, equip and empower every citizen in North Dakota, including those in positions of responsibility, influence and authority, with the information they need to have a positive, powerful impact in their community and in the entire state of North Dakota concerning issues affecting families.

North Dakota Family Alliance is an organized corporation, governed by a board of directors and is operating exclusively for religious, charitable and educational purposes, all as contemplated and permitted by sections 170 (c) (2) and 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

North Dakota Family Alliance Key Issues:  Those with Serious Impact on the Family, Currently Including:  Sanctity of Life, Sanctity of Marriage, Abstinence until Marriage, Parental Rights, Fatherhood, Faith, Education, Leadership, Opposition of Pornography and Gambling.

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