Rise in Pre-Marriage Counselling Among Young Couples in Singapore

Why It Matters

Early counseling equips couples with tools to navigate financial and career pressures, improving marital stability and reducing future social costs.

Key Takeaways

• Pre‑marriage counseling usage among Singapore couples rose 20% last year.
• Young partners seek help for finances, career goals, and compatibility.
• Reduced stigma and higher mental‑health awareness drive early counseling uptake.
• Delayed marriages correlate with counseling as couples assess stability.
• Counselors warn financial disputes remain top cause of marital conflict.

Summary

The video reports a sharp uptick in pre‑marriage counseling among Singapore’s young couples, with counselors noting a roughly 20 % rise over the past year.

Experts attribute the growth to greater mental‑health awareness, higher education levels and a waning stigma around seeking professional help. Couples are increasingly bringing up practical issues—finances, career trajectories, and long‑term compatibility—well before setting a wedding date.

One counselor quoted in the piece says, “It’s easy to rush into marriage, but counseling forces you to think about the next 70‑80 years together.” The story of Sonia and Jeremy, who delayed their ceremony for several months of counseling, illustrates how these sessions can surface hidden expectations about household duties and financial management.

If the trend continues, Singapore may see more financially stable unions and potentially lower divorce rates, while the counseling industry could expand to meet demand. Policymakers and employers might also consider supporting pre‑marital programs as part of broader family‑friendly initiatives.

Original Description

More young couples in Singapore are turning to marriage counselling before tying the knot, with some delaying weddings by months or even a year. Counsellors are reporting a 20% rise in demand over the past year, with issues such as finances, career goals and family expectations driving deeper conversations. This trend comes as people marry later and weigh practical concerns alongside compatibility. Muhammad Bahajjaj reports in the final part of CNA's week-long series on marriage and parenthood.