Seeking help for marital problems: the role of the general practitioner

Marital disharmony is a widespread phenomenon but it is largely hidden. Research, however, suggests that of the people with marital problems more approach the general practitioner than any other professional. This preliminary study reports on the help-seeking patterns of a sample of 60 patients in primary care identified as having marital problems, and a comparison is made with patients with housing problems. Men, it appeared, are less likely than women to confide in friends or relatives concerning marital problems and are less likely to find it helpful when they do; similarly, men are less likely to discuss their marital difficulties with their family doctor. Women were more satisfied with their doctor's help, which was mainly emotional support rather than more intensive counselling or referral. The implications of these preliminary findings are discussed.