Should couples be required to take compatibility tests before marriage?

The idea of requiring compatibility tests before marriage introduces a modern, structured approach to an ancient institution. While marriage has historically been shaped by religion, tradition, and social expectations, modern relationships increasingly emphasize emotional compatibility, communication, and long-term alignment. A compatibility test aims to assess factors such as values, conflict resolution styles, life goals, parenting preferences, and emotional intelligence. To understand this debate, it’s important to define “compatibility tests.” These are often psychological or personality-based assessments—sometimes clinical, sometimes commercial—designed to identify potential strengths and challenges within a relationship. Examples include the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), the Enneagram, or assessments developed by relationship counselors and psychologists. Some premarital programs, both secular and religious, already include these tests as part of voluntary counseling. However, making them a requirement introduces a new legal or institutional dimension, raising questions about personal freedom, cultural norms, and the role of the state or other authorities in private relationships. This debate sits at the intersection of psychology, public policy, and family law. It involves understanding how predictive such tests truly are, whether they can reduce divorce rates or improve marital satisfaction, and how different societies define readiness for commitment.