Research and Surveys

RESEARCH FOR ReAL LIFE

A Harvard graduate and former Wall Street analyst, Shaunti Feldhahn uses her analytical skill to conduct applied research – that is, research aimed at identifying practical solutions to common problems.

For more than twenty years, she –often with her husband, Jeff — has conducted carefully designed, nationally representative surveys to uncover the little things that make a big difference in people’s lives. And from millions of readers, the results are in: It’s working.

“I feel like we’re normal,” or “this book revolutionized my marriage,” are common refrains from readers. Shaunti’s research leads to true transformation.

What’s happening now

Her current research project is in the early stages of examining targeted solutions for how the church could be a high-leverage part of the solution to the mental health crisis in America.

Learn more about this important initiative, including how you can get involved.

View the Research

To dive deeper into the actual research questions and methodology that form the basis for Shaunti’s best-selling books, they are organized by project below.

  • survey secrets of sex and marriage
  • Thriving in Love & Money Survey
  • The Good News about Marriage

SHAUNTI’S RESEARCH PARTNERS

Shaunti partners with experts in the field for different research projects. 

Dr. Michael Sytsma has been working with couples in a variety of capacities since 1987. He is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia, a Certified Sex Therapist, and a Certified Professional Counseling Supervisor. He is also an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church and has served as a staff pastor for churches with attendance from 30 to over 1000. He is currently appointed to Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. by The Wesleyan Church, where he provides marriage and sex therapy and training to other professionals. Michael also cofounded Sexual Wholeness, Inc., a Christian non-profit dedicated to training, equipping, and certifying professionals in human sexuality.

Dr. Sells is a licensed psychologist and professor at Regent University. He holds a Hughes Endowed Chair of Mental Health and Christian Thought and co-chairs the Charis Institute with Dr. Jennifer Ripley. The focus of the Charis Institute is to strengthen marriages, support families, and encourage adults and adolescents within the church through research and resource development.


Calvin Edwards has been Shaunti’s primary research advisor and literary agent since 1996.  Calvin has launched a new wave in the philanthropy industry establishing Calvin Edwards and Company as an analytical consulting firm that advises donors and nonprofit organizations on how to maximize the impact of their giving and operations. Calvin works closely with Shaunti during the process of survey design and content development for each of her books.

Dr. Charles D. Cowan is Shaunti’s primary survey design consultant. He is the Chief Executive Officer for Analytic Focus, LLC, a national statistics, finance and economics consulting organization. Dr. Cowan is a nationally recognized expert in statistical applications and economic investigations, with more than 40 years of experience in research and design applied to issues in finance and economics.