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Marriage and health: his and hers
J K Kiecolt-Glaser1, T L Newton
1Department of Psychiatry, Ohio State University College of Medicine, 1670 Upham Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. kiecolt-glaser.1@osu.edu
Psychological Bulletin
|July 7, 2001
Summary
Marital functioning significantly impacts physical health. Negative marital interactions influence health indirectly via depression and habits, and directly affect cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.
Area of Science:
- Psychology and Medicine
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- The intricate link between marital relationships and physical health is a growing area of research.
- Previous studies highlight the significance of marital dynamics for overall well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize evidence on the pathways connecting marital functioning to physical health outcomes.
- To explore the direct and indirect mechanisms through which marital interactions influence physiological systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 64 articles published over the last decade.
- Focus on marital interaction studies and their association with health outcomes.
- Analysis of individual difference variables and gender-specific pathways.
Main Results:
- Negative marital functioning negatively impacts health through depression and unhealthy habits.
- Direct physiological effects observed on cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and neurosensory systems.
- Individual traits like hostility can exacerbate the negative health impacts of marital stress.
Conclusions:
- Marital quality is a critical determinant of physical health across multiple physiological systems.
- Differentiating positive and negative marital aspects and utilizing behavioral data are crucial for understanding these links.
- Gender differences exist in how marital relationships affect men's and women's health.