[A motivation-stress-health model applied to marital relations and work]

The present article takes position regarding the proverb "a healthy mind in a healthy body". A review of the literature suggests that, in fact, a healthy mind is as important if not more for a healthy body. Empirical evidence is presented to show the impact of psycho-social stressors on negative affect and on mental as well as physical health. The authors propose that motivation as well as the innate need for self-determination, competence, and relatedness play a crucial role in the understanding of the antecedants and consequences of psychological stress as well as for well-being and health. A model summarizing the theoretical and empirical work of our laboratory in the fields of relationships and work, two areas, central to adult life, is presented.