In sync or out of sync? Joint trajectories of depressive symptoms in married couples

This study examines the joint trajectories of depressive symptoms in heterosexual married couples.

Using the dyadic latent growth curve model on dyadic data from the Health and Retirement Study (2002-2020; N = 2,130 couples), we analyzed the joint trajectories of depressive symptoms and baseline predictors.

Three distinct trajectories emerged: depressed husbands happy wives (Profile 1, 13.6% of couples), depressed wives happy husbands (Profile 2, 16.1% of couples), and happy couples (Profile 3, 70.3% of couples). Higher husband education, longer marriages, and better husband cognitive function reduced the odds of a couple being in discordant trajectories (profiles 1 or 2). Wives' older age and higher education decreased the likelihood of a couple being in Profile 2. Chronic diseases and physical limitations in either partner increased the likelihood of a couple belonging to profiles 1 or 2. Husbands' health issues were linked to Profile 1, while longer marriages and wives' health issues were linked to Profile 2.

The depressive symptoms of most couples move in tandem. Personal characteristics and couple-level factors (e.g. marital duration and intra-couple discrepancies) shape joint trajectories. Dyadic mental wellness interventions present a viable approach for promoting the well-being of both partners.