The breakdown of marriage within American society is a serious problem as evidenced by high divorce rates and numerous separations and family problems. A Marriage Values Questionnaire, developed to determine reasons for marrying and staying married and the impact of religion on marital stability, was completed by 305 subjects, ranging in age from 18 to 80 and married from 2 weeks to 60 years. Data were analyzed by age, sex, ethnic group, educational level, religious preference, and level of religious commitment. Results indicated that men and women marry and remain married for the same reasons with love as the most highly rated reason. Individuals at the graduate-work educational level ranked sexual attractiveness, education and intelligence of mate, educational similarity, and emotional stability significantly higher than high school graduates. Marital satisfaction decreased for women after the birth of children and was greater for religious persons than for nonbelievers. (NRB)